MBVV Police Intensify Crackdown on Vasai Land Mafia with Multiple FIRs and Arrests
The Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police have initiated a rigorous crackdown on the land mafia operating in Vasai, following the registration of a series of First Information Reports (FIRs) this month. This enforcement action goes beyond mere filing of cases, as authorities have already arrested one accused, invoked the Environment Protection Act, and booked two individuals under the stringent BNS 111, which pertains to organized crime.
Stringent Charges Against Notorious Brothers
A senior crime branch officer provided details on the development, confirming that BNS 111 (Organised Crime) has been invoked against the infamous brothers—Arvind Singh and Surendra Singh, also known as Daara and Randha. While Arvind Singh, alias Daara, has been evading arrest since the FIR was filed earlier this month, his brother Surendra Singh, alias Randha, was apprehended on April 7.
The complainant alleged that the brothers failed to pay the complete deal amount, with an outstanding sum of approximately Rs 7 crore. Randha has been sent to police remand twice as the crime branch uncovered new clues during the investigation. The officer further confirmed that the Achole police in Vasai booked the two brothers again last week on charges of cheating and forgery. Randha remains in police custody until April 21 in connection with this case.
Investigations into Illegal Constructions
In a related move, the officer confirmed that a letter has been sent to the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), urging them to conduct thorough investigations into illegal constructions at Waghralpada, Waliv East. This plot is the same one for which the duo was initially booked, highlighting the interconnected nature of these illicit activities.
Additional Case Involving Environmental Violations
In another significant case, the Waliv police registered an FIR on Wednesday against 19 individuals for illegally dumping construction debris on a plot adjacent to salt pans and mangroves. While most of those named in the FIR are tribal landowners, two accused are locals who allegedly planned to build illegal chawls on the land, which also partially belongs to the revenue department.
Following the registration of this case, the police arrested one person on Friday. The charges include violations under The Maharashtra Land Revenue Act 1966, The Environment Protection Act 1986, and The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984, along with relevant sections of the BNS. Officials at the Waliv police station stated that the arrested accused was allegedly responsible for illegally reclaiming the land parcel by dumping construction debris, posing a threat to the local ecosystem.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This crackdown underscores the MBVV police's commitment to tackling organized crime and environmental violations in the region. By invoking laws like BNS 111 and the Environment Protection Act, authorities are sending a strong message against illegal land dealings and construction activities. The ongoing investigations and arrests reflect a multi-pronged approach to address the complex web of land mafia operations in Vasai, with further updates expected as the cases progress.
