Did ED Conduct Raids in Goa and Pune Over a ₹10 Lakh Land Grabbing Scandal?
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Synopsis
The ED has launched a significant investigation into a land grabbing scheme involving multiple suspects in Goa and Pune. This operation, executed under the PMLA, aims to unearth illegal activities related to property fraud, with key evidence already seized. Stay tuned as this story unfolds with more revelations.
Key Takeaways
- The ED conducted raids at eight locations in Goa and Pune.
- The operation is linked to a ₹10 lakh land grabbing case.
- Key suspects include John Paul Valles and Sandeep Vazarkar.
- Evidence seized includes electronic devices and transaction records.
- Ongoing investigations aim to trace illicit proceeds.
Panaji, July 5 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) from its Panaji Zonal Office executed search operations at eight sites in Goa and Pune on July 4, linked to an unlawful land grabbing incident.
The raids were performed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
The initiative stemmed from an FIR filed by Porvorim Police Station in North Goa, which suggested a criminal conspiracy aimed at fraudulently acquiring an ancestral property of 5,000 sq. meters located at Survey No. 210/5 in Socorro, North Goa, as per the ED's press release. This property rightfully belongs to the complainant, Jeronimo Oliveiro Desouza.
The ED is scrutinizing the involvement of John Paul Valles, Sandeep Vazarkar, and their accomplices, who are allegedly behind the conspiracy. Officials reported that the accused fabricated inventory proceeding No. 134/2019/C, falsely asserting that the father of two women, Sandra De Sa and Maureen Saldanha, was identical to the complainant’s deceased father. This deceitful claim facilitated the property transfer to the two women.
Subsequently, John Paul Valles obtained a Power of Attorney (POA) from the women in Pune, allowing him to subdivide the property and sell several plots to various buyers.
Sandeep Vazarkar, who accompanied Valles to Pune during the POA execution, confessed in the investigation to having received ₹10 lakh as a brokerage fee, as noted by the agency. Additionally, authorities discovered large, unexplained cash deposits in his bank accounts.
During the searches, ED officials confiscated numerous electronic devices and a substantial collection of documents, including Deeds of Sale, POAs, and inventory proceeding records. A diary containing cash transaction listings was also retrieved. The seizures occurred from locations associated with Sandeep Vazarkar, John Paul Valles, Sandeep Manjrekar, and Avinash Naik.
Officials believe the collected evidence will provide essential leads in tracing the illicit proceeds and furthering the investigation into the land-grabbing conspiracy. Ongoing investigations continue.
Point of View
This case highlights the critical role of the Directorate of Enforcement in combating land fraud. The ongoing investigations demonstrate our commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding citizens' rights. As the story develops, we will continue to monitor and report on the implications for property rights in India.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the ED's raids in Goa and Pune?
The raids were prompted by an FIR filed at the Porvorim Police Station, alleging a conspiracy to fraudulently acquire an ancestral property.
Who are the main suspects in the land grabbing case?
The main suspects under investigation include John Paul Valles and Sandeep Vazarkar, along with their associates.
What laws are being applied in this case?
The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
What evidence has been seized during the raids?
The ED seized electronic devices, documents related to property transactions, and a diary of cash transactions.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores the ongoing fight against property fraud and the importance of protecting citizens' rights to ancestral land.
