Bhendi Bazaar: PIL filed in SC demanding CBI probe

In her petition, she has alleged that the underworld is playing a key role by threatening the residents as well as shopkeepers to vacate their place.

“The SBUT has hired the underworld to forcefully vacate both the residential and commercial establishments to pave way for the redevelopment work,” claimed Priya Rathod.

Earlier this year, the Bombay High Court had dismissed her petition on the grounds of lack of evidence to back the allegation.

“This time, we are prepared and that, we have strong evidences in this matter, including the names of some former ministers from the Prithviraj Chavan government as well as few seating legislators,” she informed.

The Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment scheme involves nine clusters in an area of 16.5 acres; each of these will have two or three towers.

Of the 17 buildings planned, 12 will be reserved for about 20,000 tenants. The revamp, which has been undertaken by SBUT, is one of the two clusters under the state’s 2008 policy aimed at a holistic development of city’s old congested localities.

The project, embodies the redevelopment of old and rundown houses in Bhendi Bazaar which stretches from the JJ flyover junction at Byculla to Minara Masjid on the south, is to be completed in phases by 2020.

According to her lawyer, K T Thomas, the tenants in Bhendi Bazaar fear eviction by the underworld without being provided alternative accommodation.

“My client (Priya Rathod) is seeking for a thorough CBI probe into the matter and thereby, provide justice to the people of Bhendi Bazaar,” he said.

Priya Rathod, a resident of Bhendi Bazaar, claimed that the whole Bhendi Bazaar project by SBUT is nothing but an eye-wash as there is no clear road map.

“The cost projections, the total sum of capital involved, source of funding, the final price of flats when they will be sold, the promises made to existing tenants, the prices paid for purchasing the same, the sizes of flats which will be given in compensation to those who will be dislocated, where and how they will be re-located, etc, all these important facts are being deliberately kept vague,” she pointed out.

The 38-year-old Priya Rathod said that majority of people in Bhendi Bazaar do not have the resources and money to approach authorities and court.

“On behest of the people’s benefit I have approached India’s highest appellate court demanding a CBI investigation to unearth the nexus between the previous government and SBUT,” she concluded.