Sanjay Nirupam’s claims false: Mhada

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has denied receiving any letter from the chief executive officer (CEO) of Aarey Milk Colony over the allegedly illegal construction done by minister of state for housing Ravindra Waikar in the colony. The Mhada has claimed that allegations made by Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam that Aarey Milk Colony’s CEO had been sending letters to Mhada is not true, and that the authority has not received a single letter. “The land where Mr Nirupam alleges that illegal height extensions was done by Mhada while constructing a gym under the MLA funds for Mr Waikar is owned by the Aarey Milk Colony, and there is no question of them sending us letters for demolishing the alleged illegal construction. Mhada has no records of Aarey Milk Colony CEO sending letters on the issue,” said a senior Mhada official requesting anonymity.

However, Gajanan Raut, CEO, Aarey Milk Colony, said, “I have been sending letters to Mhada for carrying out demolition as we have no manpower to demolish the illegal structure. Anyone can make allegations against me, but I have records of sending letters to Mhada over the illegal structure.”

Mr Nirupam has been claiming that Mr Waikar, being a housing minister, was misusing his influence and the illegal structure had not been razed due to this. Mr Nirupam had also approached the Lokayukta demanding action against Mr Waikar and Mhada officials.

Moreover, the senior official said, “We do not understand what is illegal about the gym. There was no height restriction mentioned in the no objection certificate (NOC) issued by Aarey Milk Colony. All allegations made by Mr Nirupam are false. Mr Nirupam has not even once complained in writing to the Mhada, demanding action against the alleged illegal structure.”

When contacted Mr Nirupam, said, “The letter was sent by the Aarey Milk Colony CEO and Mhada is lying if it is claiming that the letter is missing. An inquiry should be made into the matter.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai Slum Improvement Board’s chief officer Anant Dahiphale said, “Considering all the claims, we are going to put up Mhada’s side by filing an affidavit with the Lokayukta where we have been made one of the party.”