Archive · 19 Jun 2025
ED Freezes Assets in Land Acquisition Case Involving Contractor
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a case where a contractor, J M Mhatre, is accused of illegally taking over forest land.
They have frozen his assets, including bank accounts and investments, worth around Rs 44 crore and seized cash.
Mhatre, who recently switched political parties, is suspected of manipulating land records and selling the land to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for compensation.
The ED is looking into the illegal land transfer and how Mhatre and another person, Qadri, received money from it.
ED froze assets worth approximately Rs 44 crore and seized cash of Rs 16.5 lakh from contractor J M Mhatre.
The ED case involves the alleged illegal acquisition of forest land in Navi Mumbai.
Mhatre is a former member of the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) who recently joined the BJP.
The case stems from a complaint filed by the Forest Department regarding a duplicate land entry in 2005.
The investigation revealed illegal land sales to NHAI, with Mhatre and Qadri receiving compensation.
- Who
- J M Mhatre and Saiyyed Mohammad Abdul Hamid Qadri are accused.
- What
- ED froze assets and seized cash in a case of alleged illegal forest land acquisition.
- When
- The ED action happened recently, stemming from an event in 2005.
- Where
- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To investigate money laundering related to illegal forest land acquisition and subsequent transfer.
Accusations
No opposing viewpoint available.
Land Acquisition
Accusations
Allegations of illegal land acquisition and financial irregularities.
No opposing viewpoint available.
No opposing viewpoint available.
- Agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Assets Frozen
- Rs 44 crore
- Cash Seized
- Rs 16.5 lakh
- Accused
- J M Mhatre, Saiyyed Mohammad Abdul Hamid Qadri
- Political Affiliation
- BJP (Mhatre), previously PWP
- Land Location
- Mauje Vahal, Taluka Panvel, Dist-Raigad
- Land Sold to
- NHAI