Back in 2010 when Colaba-based businessman N A Gala trusted his friend and shelled out Rs 20 lakh for two MHADA flats, he didn't know that his struggle to get back that money would not meet its logical end even after nine years. What is worse is that one of the seven accused, who cheated him of the money, has managed to get the sessions court's permission to travel to Zimbabwe for three months, delaying the case's trial which has not even started.

On July 22, accused Pinak Shah, 31, flew to Zimbabwe sighting business-related work. The court granted the accused permission to travel till October 25, 2019, after he deposited Rs 2 lakh to the court registry as security before leaving India.

In its December 14, 2018, edition mid-day had reported about how almost after six years of the matter, Gala was forced to file a private complaint before the Esplanade Court. Thereafter, the Colaba police registered an FIR against the seven accused — Nenshi Shah, Shantilal Shah, Lalji Shah, Subash Shah, Pinak Shah, all Vile Parle residents; and two others Shinde and Pawar, who posed as MHADA officials. However, even before they could be arrested, the accused managed to get anticipatory bail.

Court argument

During the hearing on July 18, Mangesh Arote, assistant public prosecutor, had objected to Shah's request to travel abroad. He had said that the applicant (Shah) had not given his travel itinerary and the reasons mentioned in his application were not proper for granting permission. He also argued that if the applicant was allowed to stay abroad for three months, then it would hamper the case's progress.