Mumbai: The valuation report of controversial Andheri RTO plot by anti-corruption bureau (ACB) appointed architect could have damaged the high profile Maharashtra Sadan scam case against NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal. The documents accessed by The Asian Age suggest that inflated valuation report of the Andheri RTO plot could help Mr Bhujbal and other accused.
The valuation report highlights that there is a huge difference between government collector’s valuation of the plot and cost of the land mentioned by the ACB appointed private valuator. These discrepancies could damage the case against Bhujbal and others accused, said sources.
The Maharashtra ACB had appointed Shirish Sukhatme as valuator for Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) plot. Mr Sukhatme was asked to submit valuation of the plot, which is approximately 43,760 square meters. The ACB asked Mr Sukhatme to give evaluation report according to price rates of land in 2006 as the state government handed over the plot to the developer in the same year. In 2006, public work department (PWD) had also conducted a valuation of the plot, which stated that the cost of the land was Rs 207 crore. Mr Bhujbal was PWD minister in 2006.
In 2011, when developer Messrs Chamankar signed tri-party agreement with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for financial support, stamp duty collector office of Mumbai suburban district had claimed that the value of the same plot is Rs 405.48 crore. But the deal between L&T and Chamankar developers was of Rs 857 crore and so accordingly stamp duty was Rs 42.93 crore.
But in 2006, the ACB appointed Mr Sukhatme’s valuation of the plot was much higher than cost of the land mentioned by the stamp duty collector in 2011. Mr Sukhatme’s report claimed that the cost of the plot is Rs 954.95 crore. Mr Sukhatme was asked to conduct evaluation according to the land rates in 2006. Hence, the difference between his valuation and the collector’s valuation of the plot is of almost Rs 549 crore.
Pivotal report
The ED had used this valuation report to show the money trail in disproportionate asset case against Mr Bhujbal. Kickbacks were given to Bhujbal after windfall profit were made by developers, according to the ACB and ED, Therefore, serious loopholes in valuator’s report could help Chhagan Bhujbal.
