Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has become richer by Rs 31 lakh. MHADA had received the amount five years ago as payment for two flats booked in the name of Monica Bedi and her mother.
However, since part payment of the flats is pending and Bedi is absconding, MHADA had attached the flats and will now be selling them, once the legalities are over.
The flats 603 and 604 are on the sixth floor of building 19 in MHADAs Oshiwara complex, Jogeshwari (W). While 603 is in the name of Monicas mother Shakuntala Bedi, 604 is in Monica Bedis name.
MHADA has sealed both the flats. Notices and attachment orders from the MHADA estate managers office have been pasted on the main doors.
This is primarily because the police have information that a film producer helped Monica acquire the flats at the behest of gangster Abu Salem.
They suspect the producer has close links with the gangster and has even used Salems money for making a few films.
A senior MHADA official on condition of anonymity said Bedi paid approximately Rs 15.50 for each flat, fifty per cent of the flat value of
Rs 28 lakh. The flats measure over 869 sq feet each and were sold at Rs 2,995 per sq feet at the time.
Added the official, To date, no one has approached MHADA claiming a refund. And if anyone does, the matter will be transferred to the police for investigation.
He also said that MHADA will not be paying any interest on Rs 31 lakh.
Commenting on underworld links in real estate, Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy said, It is difficult to keep track of property buyers and their sources of income, especially if they are funded by the underworld.
"We would like to co-ordinate with government agencies, which have direct or indirect links with property-related issues. Only then can we collect information on such dealings.
He added that the police would be firm and ruthless, while dealing with such cases, if brought to their notice.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation has been attempting to extradite Abu Salem and Monica Bedi from Portugal.
The two were arrested by the Portugal police on September 18, 2002 for possession of false documents. Salem is wanted in India for many serious offences.
Monica Bedi
Monica Bedi was born and brought up in Delhi and started her career as a model. She then came to Mumbai and made her foray in Hindi films.
She came in contact with underworld don Abu Salem and is said to be his girl friend. Her first film was Khilona starring Aditya Pancholi and Ayub Khan.
Flat out
Flat 603
Area: 869 sq feet
Approximate total cost: Rs 28,00,000
Payment made to MHADA: Rs 15,50,000
Approximate balance due: Rs 12,50,000
Flat 604
Area: 869 sq feet
Approximate total cost: Rs 28,00,000
Payment made to MHADA: Rs 15,50,000
Approximate balance due: Rs 12,50,000
