04 August,2016 05:13 PM IST | | Neha LM Tripathi
Residents allege that MP Gopal Shetty is using his influence to hush up the matter, he claims to have all papers in place
The illegal structure in Evershine Nagar, Malad, has been built by encroachers on the property. Pic/Nimesh Dave
An 18-year-old tree in a private garden, owned by the surrounding housing societies, was cut down by outsiders in Evershine Nagar, Malad. But it didn't end there. An illegal structure came up in its place and is now just 10 feet away from the four buildings circling it. Though the BMC has deemed the structure illegal and an FIR has been filed against the Sai Baba Park Resident Welfare Association, no action has been initiated as yet. MP Gopal Shetty runs the association and residents allege that he is using influence to cover it up.
The illegal structure in Evershine Nagar, Malad, has been built by encroachers on the property. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Anthony Fernandes, a resident of New Ashirwaad Co-operative Housing Society discovered the status of the structure's legality through an RTI he filed with the Office of Assistant Commissioner P/North. He then brought it to the BMC's notice along with the fact that a tree had been illegally chopped to make way for it. An FIR was then registered with the Bangur Nagar police station. Fernandes, a coach for the State Reserve Police Force, said, "There are women at home. Due to the construction of this structure, we have no privacy."
Fernandes also alleged that the illegal structure is being used extensively for a TV series shoot and that the authorities are turning a deaf ear to their pleas because of the politician's influence. Hemali Mehta, another resident, stated, "None of the buildings were informed about this construction. No NOC was taken. They even cut an old tree for its sake."
Gopal Shetty, however, refuted all allegations against him and said, "We have all the papers in place. If the structure is illegal, then why isn't the concerned authority taking action and demolishing the structure?"
Meanwhile, P/North ward officer Sangeeta Hasnale did not respond to mid-day's calls and messages.
