BMC to suspend 4 staffers in Jogeshwari plot case

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s inquiry report into the Jogeshwari plot case controversy has recommended suspension of four civic officials—one from legal and three from the development plan (DP) department. The report says that the role of the officers in the scam was found to be extremely serious and stern action needs to be taken against them to prevent such incidents in future.

The report has also recommended filing of a review petition in the Jogeshwari plot case, which the BMC had lost in the apex court. The inquiry committee had interrogated around 20 civic officials from the legal and DP departments. Along with the suspension of four officials, it has also proposed a full-fledged departmental inquiry against nine others. On Monday, the municipal commissioner submitted the report to the civic standing committee chairman.  

Due to alleged careless attitude of civic officials, the BMC had lost the 3.3-acre plot worth Rs 500 crore  in Majas, Jogeshwari. The plot was reserved for recreational ground and hospital in the development plan 1991. But since the civic body did not acquire it, the owner sent a purchase notice in May 2014 informing the BMC to acquire it in a year.