A DCP came to public notice for demanding more “haftas” from bar owners. The latter went in a morcha to his office protesting against his demands. Another let off bookies who had been rounded up by an inspector when they had gathered for a strategy meeting in a hotel room before the last cricket World Cup. No action was taken by the government despite the adverse publicity. Very recently a chairman of a cooperative housing society in Versova was arrested wrongfully because some lakhs of rupees were found in a suitcase abandoned on the terrace of his building. The magistrate found no cause of action and discharged those who had been arrested but the chairman was summoned by the additional commissioner and threatened. His troubles ended only after he ‘befriended’ the officer!

Reverting to Pasricha’s case, one notes that the rot began when he sold his society flat near the Mantralaya for Rs 1.50 crore when he had spent just a couple of lakhs on its purchase. People will wonder how IAS and IPS officers can purchase flats for such meagre amounts in prime locations. Expecting its senior officers to remain always honest the government bequeaths government land at nominal lease rent to societies founded by IAS and IPS officers. The officers have to spend only on construction costs. Thereafter, the officers can neither rent nor sell the flats but all this changed when politicians, cutting across party lines, also acquired buildings for their societies on similar terms and conditions but openly flouted the rules and finally had them shelved!

... contd.