'Plot' thickens, BMC babus likely to face suspension

Mumbai: Like in the road repairs scam, top civic officials are likely to face serious action like suspension and fine for their lackadaisical approach in the controversial Jogeshwari plot case. The BMC inquiry into the case has not only recommended stern action against the officials but also asked for a major revamp of the legal department to avoid such incidents.

According to civic sources, two to three top officials will face suspension for handling the case in a manner detrimental to BMC’s interests.

Additionally, the inquiry report, prepared by deputy municipal commissioner Nidhi Choudhary, has fixed responsibility on the offenders along with the quantum of offence. The report was submitted to civic chief Ajoy Mehta on Tuesday.

The 3.3acre plot worth Rs 500 crore at a prime location in Majas, Jogeshwari, was reserved for recreational purposes and a hospital in the development plan 1991. However, since the civic body did not acquire it, the owner sent a purchase notice in May 2014, informing the BMC to acquire it within a year. However, the BMC’s failure to acquire the land led to the lapse of the purchase notice and consequently, reservation of the plot.

As the owner refused to hand over the land, the BMC challenged the same in the Bombay high court and the Supreme Court only to lose in both courts. It was also found that Mr Mehta’s remarks were tampered with in his report.

Taking serious note of this, the civic chief ordered an inquiry into the loss of the plot. “While the purchase notice was lapsed, the municipal commissioner in his remarks had directed that the plot be acquired under the Land Acquisition Act. Despite this, there was no action taken by civic officials. There was inordinate delay by legal department officials, but there were also lapses on the part of DP department officials in moving files in this case,” said a senior civic official.

Road repair scam

The BMC road repairs scam revealed irregularities worth Rs 352 crore in the works of 234 roads. Six engineers were sacked and 12 were demoted for their involvement in the scam. In the first phase, 34 works were inspected, whereas in the second phase of inquiry, 200 roads were inspected.