SRA scam: Maharashtra housing minister in dock as CM Devendra Fadnavis orders probe

Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta is under scanner as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry in the alleged slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) scam in South Mumbai's Tardeo.

Opposition leaders have alleged that additional FSI (Floor Space Index) was provided to a private developer by violating rules. Replying to the issue raised by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavhan, Fadnavis said that the allegations will be probed.

Raising the issue Chavan said, "The file of the project had a remark that the CM has been consulted while allotting extra FSI but the CM was not consulted. Was the CM kept in dark to benefit a private developer?"

Chavhan also alleged that the decision could have earned the developer a profit of up to Rs 500 crore.

NCP leader Jayant Patil demanded a thorough probe in the matter. "Without consulting the CM, such a decision has been taken. This is not a sign of transparency that the government boasts of. A judicial probe should be ordered in the case," Patil demanded.

A cornered Prakash Mehta said that he was open to any probe. "The decision to allot extra FSI was as per the policy of the earlier government. I thought that the CM was apprised, but he wasn't," Mehta said in defense.

Fadnavis said that Mehta had explained his stand and to ensure transparency, the government will order an inquiry.

Opposition leaders, however, were not happy with the reply and staged a walkout.

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