Powai scam: ACB seeks documents

The state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has written to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state Urban Development department, seeking documents pertaining to the Rs 30,000-crore Powai land scam.

The bureau had filed an FIR against developer Niranjan Hiranandani and Additional Chief Secretary of the UD department, T C Benjamin, for alleged irregularities in the Powai Housing Development Scheme.

"We have written and asked for documents pertaining to the case. Our first priority will be to study the documents and only then will we be able to pursue a line of investigation in connection with it," said Director General of Police (ACB) Sanjeev Dayal.

A Special ACB Court had asked the bureau to register an FIR in the case after a social worker approached the agency alleging irregularities in the project, allegedly on government land in Powai.

According to the complainant, the developer had constructed apartments for affluent sections of society instead of weaker sections, for whom the land had been allotted.

He had also attached documents to prove the allegations but the ACB wants to make its own inquiries.

"We will need to procure documents from the agencies as well. For the time being, documents provided by the complainant are being studied. The investigation will include comparing both documents," Dayal said.

ACB sources said the agency has not approached either persons named in the FIR, and that it would be done after the documents were procured.

"Strong evidence will be needed for action. Our first task will be gathering evidence, to be followed by other aspects like checking the criminality of the case. Arrest and other aspects will come only after we have strong evidence," said an ACB officer who did not wish to be named.

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