Murder of Former Minister Baba Siddique: Links to SRA Real Estate Disputes Under Investigation
Baba Siddique, a former minister, was involved in real estate projects through his close associates. The police are now investigating his murder and any links to disputes related to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme projects. He previously fa
Baba SiddiqueSraReal EstateEnforcement DirectorateSlum RehabilitationReal EstateOct 13, 2024
Siddique was previously raided and questioned by the ED in 2017 for alleged money laundering. The investigation was linked to his involvement in a completed SRA project for the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation. In 2002, when he held the position of Mhada chairman, it was alleged that a developer manipulated the number of eligible slum dwellers to obtain more floor space index (FSI) in the project. This manipulation allowed the developer to construct additional posh flats on the plot.
The ED's investigation led to the attachment of 33 luxurious flats. During the probe, the ED discovered that fictitious slum dwellers were added to the project using forged ration cards, many of which were issued on Sundays. However, the ED's case collapsed before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police report deemed the ration cards genuine, stating that the state government department was operational on Sundays during that period. The ED did not challenge this order but shared their findings with the SRA, highlighting the misuse of forged documents to generate additional FSI. They requested the SRA to file an FIR to reopen the investigation, but the state government agency did not respond.
The ED sent a reminder to the SRA around three months ago, asking for an update on their request, but again received no reply. In February this year, Siddiqui left the Congress party and joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, a key ally in the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
The police are now exploring all possible links between Siddique's murder and any ongoing or upcoming SRA projects. This includes examining any disputes or conflicts that may have arisen from his real estate interests and his political affiliations. The investigation is expected to shed light on the murky world of real estate and politics in Mumbai, where such projects often come with significant financial and political stakes.
Information
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is a government body responsible for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of slums in Mumbai. The authority works to provide better living conditions for slum dwellers while ensuring that developers benefit from the additional floor space index (FSI). The process, while noble, is often fraught with allegations of corruption and manipulation, making it a highly sensitive area for investigation.
Introduction to SRA
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is a crucial government organization in Mumbai, established to rehabilitate and redevelop slums. It aims to improve living conditions for slum dwellers while ensuring that developers can benefit from the additional floor space index (FSI). The SRA plays a vital role in urban planning and development, but its operations are often marred by allegations of corruption and manipulation, making it a focal point for regulatory scrutiny and public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)?
The SRA is a government body in Mumbai responsible for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of slums. Its primary goal is to improve living conditions for slum dwellers while ensuring that developers can benefit from additional floor space index (FSI).
Why was Baba Siddique questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2017?
Baba Siddique was questioned by the ED in 2017 for his alleged involvement in a completed SRA project in Bandra Reclamation. The investigation was linked to alleged money laundering and the manipulation of the number of eligible slum dwellers to obtain additional FSI.
What happened to the ED's case against Baba Siddique?
The ED's case against Baba Siddique collapsed before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police report deemed the ration cards used in the SRA project genuine. The ED did not challenge the order but shared their findings with the SRA, which did not respond to their requests to file an FIR.
Why did Baba Siddique leave the Congress party in February 2022?
Baba Siddique left the Congress party in February 2022 and joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. The reasons for his switch are not explicitly stated but may be related to political strategies and alliances.
What are the current police investigations focusing on in relation to Baba Siddique's murder?
The police are investigating various angles in Baba Siddique's murder, including potential disputes related to ongoing or upcoming SRA projects. They are examining any real estate interests and political affiliations that may have led to his murder.
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