New Delhi: In a direct attack on the erstwhile Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya sought Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against the Congress leader and former minister Aslam Shaikh and officials of the environment department into alleged land grabbing and illegal construction in CRZ (coastal regulation zone) at Madh in Malad, according to sources.
According to ABP News, Somaiya has formally submitted his complaint with the Enforcement Directorate against Aslam Shaikh for alleged land grabbing and illegal construction in CRZ or ‘No Development Zone’ in the shores of Madh in Malad.
It is alleged that Shaikh, in connivance with local administration of the erstwhile MVA government, was involved in erecting over two dozen permanent film studios illegally.
Notably, Somaiya accused the erstwhile MVA government in Maharashtra, its state environment ministry headed by Aaditya Thackeray, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at the time which was ruled by Shiv Sena and MLA Aslam Shaikh, who was also a minister in the MVA.
As per the complaint, the permission for the structures were given only on a temporary basis for six months and they were due for removal in July 2021.
According to sources, Somaiya has demanded that these illegal encroachments be removed at the earliest and action be taken against the MVA minister. He has also sought money ED probe into an alleged laundering by the local MLA, as the matter is worth over Rs 1000 crores, as per the complainant.
It is to be noted that recently, Somaiya and BJP MP Gopal Shetty had visited the area along with the officials from MCZMA, CRZ Department, Collector Office, Forest Department (Mangrove) and police.
After the site inspection, Somaiya presented some photographs, satellite images, videos, land records and BMC records to several authorities to support his allegation.
However, ABP news could not contact Aslam Shaikh for his comment on the matter till the filing of this report.