Murder of Former Minister Baba Siddique Sheds Light on SRA Project Controversies
Mumbai: The police are investigating multiple angles in the murder of former minister Baba Siddique, including disputes related to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects. Siddique had significant interests in real estate through his close associ
Baba SiddiqueSraReal EstateSlum Rehabilitation AuthorityMumbaiReal Estate MumbaiOct 13, 2024
Siddique's involvement in the real estate sector, particularly in SRA projects, has come under scrutiny. In 2017, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided him and questioned him for alleged money laundering. This followed his involvement in a completed SRA project for the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation.
In 2002, when Siddique was the chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada), it was alleged that a developer obtained the 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 led to the attachment of 33 posh flats constructed in the saleable building on the plot.
During the investigation, the ED found that fictitious illegal slum dwellers were introduced using forged ration cards. Most of these ration cards were issued on Sunday holidays. However, the ED case collapsed before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police report stated that the ration cards were genuine and that the concerned state government department was working on Sundays during that period to issue the ration cards.
The ED did not challenge the order but shared their findings with the SRA, stating that their investigation clearly showed additional FSI was generated on the plot using forged documents. They requested the SRA to file an FIR to reopen the investigation, but there was no response from the state government agency. The ED sent a reminder to the SRA around three months ago but did not receive any reply.
In February this year, Siddiqui left the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition. This political move added another layer of complexity to his profile and the ongoing investigations.
The police are now examining all these angles to understand the motives behind his murder. The involvement of real estate and the SRA projects adds a significant dimension to the case, given the high stakes and potential controversies in such projects.
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is a crucial body in Mumbai, responsible for managing and implementing slum redevelopment projects. These projects aim to provide better living conditions for slum dwellers while also offering developers a share of the land for commercial use. However, these projects have often been marred by allegations of corruption and manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)?
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is a government body in Mumbai responsible for managing and implementing slum redevelopment projects. It aims to provide better living conditions for slum dwellers while also offering developers a share of the land for commercial use.
Why did the ED investigate Baba Siddique in 2017?
The ED investigated Baba Siddique in 2017 for alleged money laundering. He was also involved in a completed SRA project for the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation, which raised suspicions of manipulation and corruption.
What did the ED find during their investigation of the SRA project in 2002?
The ED found that fictitious illegal slum dwellers were introduced using forged ration cards to manipulate the number of eligible slum dwellers. This allowed the developer to secure more floor space index (FSI) in the project.
Why did the ED case collapse before the adjudication authority?
The ED case collapsed after the Bandra police report stated that the ration cards were genuine and that the concerned state government department was working on Sundays during that period to issue the ration cards.
What political move did Baba Siddique make in February 2022?
In February 2022, Baba Siddique left the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition.
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