Scam Untill Death: Dead man building illegal tower in Mira Road

Mumbai: The name of a man who died 10 years ago may have been used to get permission for an illegal nine-storey building at Mira Road.

On January 23, 2013, TOI had reported how Jamuna Tower, originally a single-storey structure in Kanakia Nagar, had reached nine floors. Building architect firm Amish & Associates had resigned on learning about the irregularities and even wrote to Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation about the illegal structure.

Developers Bharati Thakur and one ‘Mrs Jasteen R Pande’ had obtained permission for the construction in April 2011.

After the civic administration declared Jamuna Tower illegal in February 2013, and ordered its demolition, notices were sent to the developers. While Pande has been untraceable, the signature on the affidavit to obtain permission for construction matches that of Justin Rajaram Pandey, a Mira Road resident who died in 2003, at Bhatia Hospital. A death certificate was also issued by the BMC.

Despite architect’s alert, Mira Road building set for sale
Mumbai: Jamuna Tower at Mira Road’s Kanakia Nagar, a building which stands nine-storeys tall when it had permission for only one, is in the spotlight for another reason. While a 2011 affidavit seeking approval for constructing the original one storeyed building was obtained in the name of a ‘Mrs Jasteen R Pande’ and others, the signature on the affidavit matches that of Mr Justin Rajaram Pandey, a Mira Road developer, who died a decade back, in 2003.

Pandey had built a few buildings in the area where Jamuna Tower stands and sources said his name was probably used to get the necessary sanctions. ‘Mrs Pande’ meanwhile, remains untraceable.

The MBMC had given a commencement certificate for construction up to plinth level on a plot of land behind Cinemax multiplex in Kanakia Nagar. The building is situated a stone’s throw away from the ward office. The architect had, through three letters dated September 14, 2011, September 24, 2012, and December 3, 2012, informed the MBMC of irregularities.

While the building was to have been demolished last month, the developers moved the Thane sessions court against the notices and obtained a stay. A case has been registered under the MRTP Act against the builders with Mira Road police, but no arrests have been made. The building meanwhile is getting a fresh coat of paint and is being readied for sale.
Courtesy:
Sandhya Nair TNN
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