Daijiworld Media Network - Vasai
Vasai, Dec 5: In a major development in the Virar building collapse investigation, the Crime Branch Unit-3 has arrested Gilson Gonsalves, Assistant Municipal Commissioner (AMC) of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC).
According to sources, Gonsalves was summoned for questioning late Thursday and formally arrested around midnight on charges of negligence. He was produced before a Vasai court on Friday, which remanded him to five days of police custody.
Officials Accused of Ignoring Illegal Construction
Investigators said that both Gonsalves and fellow AMC Subhash Jadhav, who is also named as an accused, were aware that the collapsed Ramabai Apartment in Virar (East) was an illegal structure, yet took no action. They allegedly failed to register an FIR under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, despite clear violations.
The Crime Branch further found that VVCMC officials had provided a water connection and had collected taxes from the building even though the owners and developer had no valid documents.
Arrests Made After Tragic Collapse
The building collapsed around midnight on August 27, killing 17 people and injuring 19. The incident drew national attention, with even the President posting about the tragedy on X.
Following the collapse, police lodged an FIR under the MRTP Act and arrested developer Nittal Sane in August. Sane remains in jail. The landowner’s two daughters and their spouses were also arrested but later granted bail. Within days, the probe was transferred to the Crime Branch.
Possible Financial Irregularities Under Scrutiny
Authorities suspect significant financial fraud in the construction and sale of flats in the illegal building.
Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik recently said that letters have been sent to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department, alerting them to possible offences under their jurisdictions, including:
• Cash transactions during property sales
• Potential non-disclosure of income
• Concealment of assets
• Possible money laundering
Kaushik noted that these steps were taken “so that the trail of proceeds of crime can be traced.”
The investigation into the collapse and related financial irregularities remains ongoing, with more arrests not ruled out.