Gopal Shetty threatens mid-day reporter when asked about open space encroachment

If you write the story I will send public to your house This is the threat BJP MP Gopal Shetty gave to this correspondent reporting about the alleged illegal open space occupation by a trust backed by him and the civic bodys procrastination in the matterThe Adi Ganesh Charitable Trust has been running a gymnasium and zumba dance classes on the plot and has even sublet a part of it to a football academy for a huge rentIts been 11 months since the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC issued a notice to the Adi Ganesh Charitable Trust for illegally occupying a big chunk of a plot admeasuring 4200 square metres in Borivli West and running a gymnasium zumba dance classes and football turf on itWhile the BMC is still dragging its feet on this one not having followed up on its notice Shetty said There is no encroachment on the open space You come to the spot I will call the public and show you what is legal or illegal If you dont come I have your number and will find your address and come to your place with my people Come to my office in the morning and we will sit with the public then you explain what is illegal in itWhile Kunal Kerkar of the trust remained unavailable for comment Shetty accepted that Kerkar was a BJP officebearer and that he supported his gymnasium When told about BMCs notice sent to him and the trust he said Tumhara notice gayaa khadde me throw the notice into a pit Go behind terrorists and tax evaders tum paper walon ko dhandha nahi hai kya jo story banate rehte ho You press people dont have work making up stories If there is anything wrong the police and BMC will take actionNo space for localsFollowing a complaint filed by activist Reji Abraham who runs United Association for Social Education and Public Welfare Trust that fights for environment and open spaces on January 5 the BMC had issued a showcause notice to the trust stating that as the trust hadnt been officially given the plot its occupation was illegal The BMC had asked it to file a reply within seven days on why the civic body shouldnt take over the plot But after that there was no followupSpeaking to midday Abraham said In 2006 a huge gym and welfare centre were constructed on the plot reserved for a playground As per the Development Control Rules such constructions are not permitted on a playgroundreserved plot Political patronage helped the trust to take over the plot and construct on it with the help of Shettys MLA fund under MHADAs improvement boardKerkars Gymnasium is making crores from memberships and events functions and parties held on its premises Also an illegal zumba class is being conducted there since years earning the trust a lot of money As if this is not enough the trust has illegally sublet a part of the plot to a football academy for a huge rental Rs 15002000 per hour This has robbed the general public as there isnt any space left for the youths and localsAs per rules if an open space is developed with MLA fund via MHADA it has to be handed over to the civic body According to civic officials in this case there has been no agreement between the civic body MHADA and the trustPetering outLast year Reji had filed a petition before the Lokayukta on illegal occupation and misuse of a few open spaces in Kandivli and Borivli following which on December 2016 a report prepared by the RCentral ward had confirmed the illegality by the trust Reji had then lodged a complaint on July 11 with the Borivli police sending a letter to the local ward office to carry out an inspection of the plot and take action against the guiltyWhen asked why no action has been taken against the trust till date Assistant Municipal Commissioner of RCentral Borivli ward Atul Rao said Because the plot was developed by MHADAs fund they will have to hand it over to the BMC After that we can take further action We have sent several reminders to MHADA for this When contacted a MHADA official said he would have to check the relevant documents as the issue was years oldCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news current affairs from Mumbai local news crime news and breaking headlines hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go