However, the corporator has categorically denied any connection with the ED action, stating that the raid was conducted at the residence of a tenant who had been staying in the building and that the tenant had been summoned for questioning.
The development comes amid growing tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Navi Mumbai over the past few days. The Shiv Sena is also facing pressure over the Pradeep Purnekar murder case in Thane, with allegations that a conspiracy is being orchestrated to put the party under pressure.
Shiv Sena leaders in Navi Mumbai had alleged that these developments were being driven at the behest of a BJP leader from the city. The BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have also been frequently at loggerheads over redevelopment issues in Navi Mumbai.
Against this backdrop, speculation has emerged that the ED action was intended to exert pressure on Shinde Sena corporators. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding any political connection to the raid.
I Have Nothing to Do with the ED Raid: Shivram Patil
Corporator Shivram Patil said the ED action was carried out at the residence of Jay Mehta, who had been staying as a tenant at his property.
According to the available panchnama, a mobile phone was seized during the search. Documents indicate that the operation was conducted on October 28 under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Patil clarified that he had neither been summoned for questioning nor received any notice from the ED. He said the notice had been issued to his tenant, who had been asked to appear at the ED office in Mumbai.
The raid has nevertheless triggered considerable political turmoil in Navi Mumbai. Amid the ongoing political rivalry and allegations between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, the action is also being viewed through a political lens.
Some political circles have linked the operation to an alleged attempt to put pressure on the Shinde faction.
According to the panchnama, a team led by Shravan Kumar Reddy V., Assistant Director at the ED's Mumbai Regional Office, carried out the operation. The team arrived at the location at approximately 7:15 am.
After presenting their identity cards and authorisation letters, the officials began the search. The panchnama records that the search concluded at 5:30 pm.
Shivram Parshuram Patil, who identified himself as the owner of the building, told the officials that Mehta was a friend of his son and was staying there temporarily as a guest.
The panchnama specifies that the search was limited to a single bedroom on the first floor, which was being used by Mehta.
During the search, the officials seized a Samsung Fold 7 mobile phone used by Mehta. According to the preliminary information recorded in the documents, emails and other digital data stored on the device were found to be relevant to the investigation.
The mobile phone was sealed, and the signatures of the concerned individuals were obtained. The panchnama also mentions that Mehta's statement was recorded.
The ED action has added another dimension to the ongoing political tensions in Navi Mumbai, with the raid drawing attention to the dispute between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and prompting questions over the circumstances surrounding the search.
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