Investigations into Baba Siddique's Murder and SRA Project Disputes
The police are looking into various angles, including real estate disputes and SRA projects, in the murder case of former minister Baba Siddique.
Baba SiddiqueSraReal EstateMurder InvestigationEnforcement DirectorateReal EstateOct 13, 2024
In 2017, the ED conducted a raid and questioned Siddique for suspected money laundering. This was not the first time Siddique was under scrutiny. Back in 2002, when he was the chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (Mhada), it was alleged that a developer obtained a slum redevelopment project by manipulating the number of eligible slum dwellers. This manipulation allowed the developer to secure more floor space index (FSI) in the project.
The ED investigation resulted in the attachment of 33 luxurious flats constructed in the saleable building on the project plot. The investigation uncovered that fictitious illegal slum dwellers were introduced using forged ration cards, many of which were issued on Sunday holidays. However, the ED case faltered before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police reported that their investigation found the ration cards to be genuine and that the concerned state government department was indeed working on Sundays at that time to issue the ration cards.
The ED did not contest the order but shared their findings with the SRA, indicating that their investigation clearly showed that additional FSI was generated on the plot using forged documents. They requested the SRA to file a First Information Report (FIR) to allow the ED to reopen the investigation. Unfortunately, the SRA did not respond to this request. The ED followed up with a reminder around three months ago but received no reply from the state government agency.
In February this year, Siddique left the Congress party and joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP. This political shift might have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into his murder.
The SRA, an important government body, is responsible for overseeing slum rehabilitation projects in Mumbai. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that slum dwellers are provided with appropriate housing and that developers adhere to regulations and ethical practices. Despite this, the SRA has faced criticism for alleged inefficiencies and lack of transparency in several projects.
As the police continue their investigation, they are likely to scrutinize Siddique's business dealings, political affiliations, and the role of the SRA in the projects he was involved with. The outcomes of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the SRA and other stakeholders in the real estate sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the police investigation in Baba Siddique's murder case?
The police are investigating various angles, including any disputes related to Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects and Siddique's real estate interests.
What was the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the SRA project investigation?
The ED investigated Siddique for alleged money laundering and found that fictitious slum dwellers were introduced using forged ration cards, which allowed the developer to secure more floor space index (FSI).
What happened to the ED's case against Siddique?
The ED case collapsed before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police report stated that the ration cards were genuine and the concerned state department was working on Sundays to issue them.
What was the SRA's response to the ED's findings?
The SRA did not respond to the ED's request to file an FIR, and even after a reminder, there was no reply from the SRA.
What political shift did Baba Siddique make recently?
In February, Siddique left the Congress party and joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP.
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