In response to the notice of motion MHADA filed in the Bombay High Court last week seeking permission to demolish Esplanade Mansion, advocate Ashok Saraogi, who is representing the tenants, filed an affidavit on Tuesday. He objected to the recommendations made in IIT-Bombay's report, and alleged that the landlord Sadiq Ali, a certain builder, MHADA officials and IIT-B are working together to get the building demolished.

'Big fraud'

In his affidavit, Saraogi also pointed out how MHADA has taken a conflicting stand in their notice of motion, as they had earlier agreed to carry out the repairs. He questioned the integrity of the IIT-B report and alleged MHADA and IIT-B are favouring Ali. The affidavit stated, "A big fraud has been played upon this Hon'ble Court and as such, requires a detailed inquiry in respect of the nexus of the MHADA officer, the landlord, IIT persons and the said builder and necessary action deserves to be initiated against them (sic)."