Former Municipal Commissioner faces allegations of multi-crore property acquisitions amidst probe

Allegations surrounding former Municipal Commissioner's property acquisitions

Allegations have emerged surrounding Dilip Dhole, the former Commissioner of the Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in Maharashtra. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Dhole acquired substantial properties worth crores through shell companies and benami individuals. The investigation has revealed that a significant portion of these acquisitions occurred during Dhole's tenure as the head of the Municipal Corporation.

The ED's inquiry has uncovered a trail of property acquisitions by Dilip Dhole, allegedly orchestrated through shell companies and individuals holding properties in their names. It has come to light that many of these acquisitions took place while Dhole was in a position of authority at the Municipal Corporation. This raises concerns about the legality and transparency of these transactions, prompting a closer examination of the matter.

Government action and ongoing investigation

The Maharashtra government responded promptly to these allegations by removing Dhole from his prominent post at MBMC on August 9. The Enforcement Directorate's summons to Dhole, related to his involvement in the Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) scam, played a pivotal role in this decision. The ULC scam involves the illicit acquisition of land within the MBMC limits, violating the Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act. Suspected collusion between builders, politicians, and MBMC officials has further complicated the issue.

Also Read: Denmark considers ban on religious text burnings (arthparkash.com)

The ED's investigation has revealed a possible link between Dhole's property acquisitions and unlawful gratification. In light of this, the agency is prepared to share the details of the properties in question with the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau. This collaborative effort aims to delve deeper into the origins and legality of these acquisitions, shedding light on potential corruption and irregularities.

Dhole's background and summons

Dilip Dhole's professional history is a focal point in this case. Having served in various government departments, including the State Goods and Services Tax Department, he later transitioned to the Urban Development ministry during the tenure of Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. His subsequent role as an Additional Commissioner in MBMC and subsequent promotion to Municipal Commissioner in 2021 adds gravity to the allegations against him.

The ED's repeated summoning of Dhole, specifically in connection with the ULC scam, marks a significant development. However, Dhole's failure to appear before the agency has raised questions about his cooperation with the investigation. This summons signifies the ED's intent to uncover the truth behind the alleged irregularities and financial misconduct linked to the property acquisitions.

Also Read: Denmark considers ban on religious text burnings (arthparkash.com)