The proposed redevelopment of Bombay Taximen Cooperative Housing Society in Kurla, near the Bandra Kurla Complex, has come under scrutiny from multiple agencies following allegations of forged signatures, manipulated records and an allegedly improper developer selection process.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kurla police, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Vigilance Department of the Co-operative Housing Societies, Pune, have begun examining complaints filed by residents. Managing committee members have reportedly been called for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of the 8.5-acre Taximen Colony, which comprises 29 buildings.
Resident Anees Siddiqui alleged that four of the 18 managing committee members opposed the alleged favour shown to a local developer. Three dissenting members have approached Mumbai Police, alleging that signatures were forged to establish the quorum required for a special general meeting held on September 22, 2024.
“There are 18 members in the managing committee, but four are opposing the alleged favour shown to a local developer. Three of them have already written to Mumbai Police seeking action against their colleagues over the alleged forging of signatures to artificially meet the quorum required for a special general meeting held on September 22, 2024,” said Siddiqui.
He said two financially strong developers had also participated in the bidding process and alleged that procedural violations influenced the outcome.
“Due to procedural lapses, members filed complaints alleging forgery, cheating, a non-transparent process and manipulation of funds against the managing committee. Complaints were also made to the ACB, EOW, Kurla police, the Vigilance Department of Cooperative Societies, Pune, and the commissioner. After verification of the complaints, the agencies have started inquiries and issued notices to the managing committee,” Siddiqui said.
Dissenting members submitted a complaint to Kurla police on August 17 seeking the “immediate seizure of the original attendance sheet and forensic verification of disputed signatures”.
A Ali Azizi, a former banking official and member of the National Commission for Backward Classes, also alleged violations by the managing committee. He sought an independent inquiry into the conduct of officials involved in approving the disputed proceedings.
According to Azizi, the Vigilance Department directed the joint registrar on August 17 to conduct a departmental inquiry and submit a report within 15 days.
“The then deputy registrar, Cooperative Society (L-Ward), and other authorised officers are being summoned to record their statements, and the report will be submitted in Pune,” Azizi said.
A senior police officer confirmed that notices had been issued to all 18 committee members.
“We have summoned the managing committee members as serious allegations have been made by residents. Although we had registered a case in the past, fresh allegations have surfaced and these require a thorough investigation,” said the officer.
Residents have also raised questions about the project management consultant’s evaluation of shortlisted developers and are considering approaching the Council of Architecture.
“The PMC did not place a complete and balanced comparative evaluation of all three shortlisted developers before the General Body and instead appeared to favour one developer,” Siddiqui alleged.
Residents are seeking an independent review of the tender process, replacement of the existing PMC and action against those found responsible if the allegations are established.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
