Ranjit Mahanti
ABI IMPACT: Health department officials of BMC’s S-ward visited the Galleria Shopping Centre, Powai and ordered for necessary action to the concerned department after ABI published two articles exposing illegal stalls inside the centre.
On April 30, 2015 Health Officer informed in writing (copy available with ABI) to complainant Sudhir Singh about action. According to the letter on April 16, 2015 S-ward officials visited the Galleria Shopping Centre and found out that there are a lot of illegal stalls in-front of the shops. S-ward officials also informed that they have written a letter to Joint Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra State and Encroachment Removal Department (S-ward), BMC for necessary action. Both departments should take action jointly. There are illegal stalls infront of the shop no. 1, 14, 30, 32, 33, 37, 46, 50, 100.
“I am thankful to S-ward BMC officials for visiting the shopping centre,” said Sudhir Singh. “I am driving. Call me later,” said S. T . Patil, Joint Commissioner, FDA.
First article:
On March 26, 2015 ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) has published first article under headline- “28 illegal stalls inside Galleria Shopping Centre Powai, pay Rs. 80,000 hafta to BMC officials.” According to news the Vice President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), youth wing Sudhir Singh has complained against illegal stalls inside Galleria Shopping Centre, Powai. The Galleria Shopping Centre management earns Rs. 5, 40,000 rent and pays Rs. 80,000 ‘hafta’ to BMC officials per month from these illegal stalls. There are about 28 illegal stalls/shops in the Shopping Centre premises. All stalls are open and functioning. These stalls sell pani puri, masala dosa, electronic items, toys, perfumes and such personal lifestyle products. Sources revealed that Galleria Shopping Centre management including Joseph Reddy and Ramchandra Reddy collect Rs.5, 40,000 rents from these stall owners. Even civic activists (S-ward officials) do not dare to take action as Ramchandra Reddy claim he pays Rs.80, 000 hafta to them.
Second article
On April 26, 2015 ABI (abinet.org) has published second article under headline- Niranjan Lakhumal Hiranandani failed to fulfill his commitment on Galleria illegal stalls issue.’ After news published on ABI (abinet.org) more than 90 owners of offices and shops, Galleria Shopping Centre met Nairanjan Hiranandani on April 1, 2015. They complained against mushrooming illegal stalls outside their shops. Hiranandani assured them that he will take action within 10 days against illegal stalls. The shops owners sent appreciation (thanks) letter (copy available with ABI) to Hiranandani. Many days have been passed but Hiranandani forgot to fulfill his commitment.