MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at two locations in Panvel and one location in Dadar to unearth a land scam and trace the proceeds of crime after registering a money laundering case against JM Mhatre of JM Mhatre Infrastructure. Authorities allege that Mhatre illegally acquired govt forest land. Mhatre served as a Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader for over three decades and was the former Panvel Municipal Council President. He recently joined the BJP.The ED’s money laundering case is based on a complaint filed by the Forest Department, Uran, Alibagh Division at Panvel Police Station regarding forest land grab against different persons.It is alleged that the accused and others had illegally acquired the forest land and subsequent illegal transfer to NHAI to get compensation. It is alleged that the accused illegally acquired the government forest land by making duplicate entry in Mutation in 2005.J M Mhatre allegedly transferred 1.86 ha of land out of 4 hector to the NHAI and received Rs 42.4 cr as compensation and one Saiyyed Mohammad Abdul Hamid Qadri transferred 0.4225 Hectares of land to the NHAI and received Rs 9.69 cr.