Mumbai: Cops launch probe 5 months after evicting man from ‘his own’ flat

The disputed property is on the 15th floor of Kranti Building Number 1 at Subhash Nagar in Chembur East. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Nearly two weeks after this newspaper reported the arrest of a family for entering what they claimed was their own flat in Chembur East, police have begun an inquiry and asked them to produce documents related to the apartment.

In March, Sudhir Maru, his wife Neeta and their relatives faced police action for "trespassing" into a flat on the 15th floor of Kranti Building Number 1 at Subhash Nagar. While they secured bail, Maru said he had paid for the flat to the builder and had even rented it out for five years.

mid-day had reported Maru's matter on August 19. The report prompted Additional Commissioner (East Region) Sanjay Darade to order a probe by the assistant commissioner of police (Chembur division) to know more about the facts of the matter. On Thursday, Chembur police summoned Sudhir Maru and gave him a list of documents that he is required to submit to the investigating officer. "They have asked me to give rent agreement, light bills, maintenance bills, and corporation tax since the possession of the flat. Proof of financial transactions with builders and documents of stamp duty," Maru told mid-day.

Also Read: Mumbai: Chembur resident evicted from own flat for ‘trespass'

He added, "After arresting me and my relatives and taking us to court, now police want to check the documents and my authenticity as the owner of the flat. This is really strange. They could have done this before and avoided criminal action against us." Amar Desai, assistant commissioner of police (Chembur division), said, "We are checking all the angles in the matter. The inquiry is on. I can't tell you more about it." In the case, police had named Maru, his wife, daughter Urmi Dedhia, son-in-law Paras Dedhia, Swati Navale and Bhavna Gala.

Maru said he had booked the flat for Rs 59 lakh in 2014 and has paid R58 lakh so far. He had even rented it out for five years. They recently sold their Ghatkopar house and decided to move to the Chembur flat. However, an engineer from the builder's side said Maru did not pay a single penny even after 60 days of registration of the flat. He also accused Maru of breaking the lock and entering the flat.