Campa Cola: Police exonerate architect, developer of conspiracy and cheating charges
The Worli police in their final report to the magistrate have exonerated the developer and architect of the Campa Cola Compound, along with five others, of all charges of cheating and conspiring against the residents. Nearly two years ago, a court had ordered an FIR to be registered against the accused.
The accused include lease owner and late director of Pure Drinks Private Limited Daljeet Singh, P S B Construction Company and its director late Mohammed Yusuf Patel and architect Jayant Tipnis.
In the ‘C Summary’ report, the police have said there was no evidence to prove that the residents were cheated into believing that all the clearances for their flats were in place. The residents had alleged that time and again they were made to believe that the occupation certificates for their flats will be obtained soon, but there was no written assurance or agreement to that effect, said police.
The residents have been fighting a legal battle since 2005, when they first went to the court to ensure water supply and regularisation. Their long fight won wide political support, despite the opposition Shiv Sena heading the civic body and the ruling Congress treading with caution over court orders.
According to the initial complaint filed through advocate Shamsher Garud, resident Rajiv Chakraborty had claimed developers duped him into purchasing a flat despite knowing that the civic body had not approved the building’s plans. While ordering an FIR to be registered, the court had noted that the accused also forged documents, which amounts to cognizable offence.
The residents, who were asked to vacate the buildings by November 11, 2013, had been pushing the BMC to act against the developers but in vain, following which the complaint was filed.
The BJP-led government had thrown a life raft to the residents after it made a statement before the Supreme Court on January 29 this year, saying if the occupants of the illegal flats approached the government for regularisation, their fresh plea will be considered as per the law.
The accused include lease owner and late director of Pure Drinks Private Limited Daljeet Singh, P S B Construction Company and its director late Mohammed Yusuf Patel and architect Jayant Tipnis.
In the ‘C Summary’ report, the police have said there was no evidence to prove that the residents were cheated into believing that all the clearances for their flats were in place. The residents had alleged that time and again they were made to believe that the occupation certificates for their flats will be obtained soon, but there was no written assurance or agreement to that effect, said police.
Between 1981 and 1989, seven high-rises were constructed in the Campa Cola Compound. The builders had permission for only five floors but several more were constructed--one of the buildings, Midtown, has 20 floors while another, called Orchid, has 17.
The residents have been fighting a legal battle since 2005, when they first went to the court to ensure water supply and regularisation. Their long fight won wide political support, despite the opposition Shiv Sena heading the civic body and the ruling Congress treading with caution over court orders.
According to the initial complaint filed through advocate Shamsher Garud, resident Rajiv Chakraborty had claimed developers duped him into purchasing a flat despite knowing that the civic body had not approved the building’s plans. While ordering an FIR to be registered, the court had noted that the accused also forged documents, which amounts to cognizable offence.
The residents, who were asked to vacate the buildings by November 11, 2013, had been pushing the BMC to act against the developers but in vain, following which the complaint was filed.
The BJP-led government had thrown a life raft to the residents after it made a statement before the Supreme Court on January 29 this year, saying if the occupants of the illegal flats approached the government for regularisation, their fresh plea will be considered as per the law.
