Police Investigate SRA Project Disputes in Baba Siddique Murder Case
Mumbai: The police are exploring various angles in the murder of former minister Baba Siddique, including potential disputes related to Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme projects. Siddique had notable interests in real estate through close associ
MumbaiBaba SiddiqueMurderSraReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiOct 13, 2024
In 2017, Baba Siddique was raided and questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering. The investigation was specifically centered around his involvement in the SRA project for the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation. These Mauritius-based slums were a prime target for redevelopment due to their strategic location.
Back in 2002, when Siddique was the chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (Mhada), a developer was accused of manipulating the number of eligible slum dwellers to gain additional floor space index (FSI). This manipulation allowed the developer to build more units and increase the overall value of the project. The ED's investigation led to the attachment of 33 luxury flats constructed as part of the saleable building on the plot.
During the investigation, it was discovered that fictitious slum dwellers had been introduced into the project using forged ration cards. Most of these cards were allegedly issued on Sunday holidays, a suspicious detail that raised red flags. However, the case before the adjudication authority was eventually dismissed after a Bandra police report claimed the ration cards were genuine and that the state government department was indeed operating on Sundays during that period.
Despite the dismissal, the ED did not challenge the order. Instead, they shared their findings with the SRA, emphasizing that their investigation had uncovered the use of forged documents to generate additional FSI. The ED requested the SRA to file an FIR to facilitate a reopening of the investigation. Unfortunately, the state government agency did not respond to this request, even after a reminder was sent by the ED around three months ago.
In February this year, Siddique made a significant political move by leaving the Congress party to join the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition. This shift in allegiance has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as political motives could be intertwined with the financial irregularities.
The police are now meticulously examining all these angles to uncover the motives behind the murder of Baba Siddique. They are interviewing individuals connected to the SRA projects and reviewing documents related to the real estate transactions. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique was a former minister in Mumbai with notable interests in real estate through his close associates. He was involved in various Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects and faced previous investigations for alleged financial irregularities.
What are SRA projects?
SRA projects, or Slum Rehabilitation Authority projects, are government-led initiatives aimed at developing and improving housing conditions for slum dwellers in Mumbai. These projects often involve the redevelopment of slum areas into modern residential complexes.
Why was Baba Siddique investigated by the ED?
Baba Siddique was investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2017 for alleged money laundering and financial irregularities related to an SRA project for the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation.
What happened to the ED's investigation into Baba Siddique?
The ED's investigation into Baba Siddique was initially dismissed by the adjudication authority. Despite this, the ED shared their findings with the SRA, stating that forged documents were used to generate additional FSI, but the SRA did not respond to their request to file an FIR.
What is the current status of the investigation into Baba Siddique's murder?
The police are currently investigating various angles, including potential disputes related to SRA projects. They are interviewing individuals connected to these projects and reviewing relevant documents to uncover the motives behind the murder.
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