MP asks for probe into Borivli plot

Sanjay Nirupam approaches collector to investigate disputed land deal

After MiD DAY's report on how a government plot was allotted to a certain group of people under the banner of Swami Samarth Cooperative Housing Limited (Rs 175 per sq ft for Borivli plot), Sanjay Nirupam, an MP from the area, has sent a letter to the collector asking him to investigate the matter.

In the letter, a copy of which is available with MiD DAY, the parliamentarian has said, "The Bhandaris have been staying on the disputed plot for nearly 43 years and hence before allotting the plot, a proper investigation should be carried out."

MiD DAY had published that a 3,080-sq-ft land belonging to the collector was allotted to a group of government employees at the rate of Rs 175 per sq ft in February.

"Even if it's the collector's land, the first preference should be given to the Bhandaris because they have been occupying the land for a very long time. If they fail to make the payments, only then should another party be involved," said Nirupam.

However, Nirupam is yet to get a response from the collector. Rakesh Shetty, the legal advisor to the Bhandaris, who resides on the same property at present, said, "With the intervention of Nirupam, we are hoping the matter will get resolved at the earliest."

Shetty further claimed that a few people have threatened him as well as the Bhandaris. "We were told by a few people not to go ahead with this case. However, we have decided to fight the case and bring the matter to a conclusion."