Ranjit Mahanti
JHUKTI HAI DUNIA, JHUKANE WALA CHAHIYE (the world bends, only it needs the right man to make it happen). ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) and 74 residents of Birla colony at Kanjurmarg made it possible. Runwal builder has settled the dispute with the 74 residents of Birla colony, fulfilling their demands. This is the same Runwal who had claimed that he was very notorious and had high-level relations in the police and ministries.
Subhash Runwal, the owner and chairman of the company, had purchased The Indian Smelting & Refining Company Limited, Kanjurmarg (west) owned by the Birla group. On the company premises, Runwal is developing the project Runwal Forests. There are 1,200 flats in 12 buildings spread over 14 acres. There were 78 families remaining on the plot. Without giving their rights, Runwal tried to throw them out. Runwal adopted all ways possible for the purpose.
Earlier, the residents were demanding Rs 5 lakh each to vacate the colony but builder Runwal refused, stating he will never give money. He said he will throw them out with his bare hands. He deployed criminals, bought Parksite Police and managed politicians Ashok Patil and ministers Devendra Phadnavis and Prakash Mehta. The residents faced all torture and insults.
It was ABI that continued to expose Runwal’s goondagardi and inhuman face.
Finally, last week Runwal paid triple the amount. He begged people to vacate the colony. Interestingly, around 10pm Subhash Runwal stood at the main gate, gave the money and took keys from the residents. Only four residents Sunil Parab, Balasaheb Tanawade, Amarnath Amin and Virendra Singh Shekhawat refused to vacate. They are demanding more money.
“Runwal ne kaha tha ki in logon ko meri taqat ka andaza nahin hai. Main bahut kamina insaan hoon. Main in sabko khali haath colony se bhagaunga. Laat maar ke nikalunga. 17 ghante bhi nahin rahne doonga. Parksite Police to mere tukdo pe palti hai. Ministers to meri jeb me hain lekin usne ab triple-triple diya aur case bhi vapas liya,” said a resident.
Lawyer turned agent
Earlier colony residents had hired advocate Nilesh Pandey to look at their cases in court against Runwal, but Runwal bought even Nilesh Pandey. A small-time lawyer, Nilesh Pandey surrendered himself before Runwal and made weak the court cases. Once Pandey claimed to a friend that he planned to earn Rs 5 crore in Runwal and residents dispute. The residents complained against Pandey in Bar Council of Bombay High Court.
Another resident, S K Shukla charged Rs 40 lakh for mediator’s role to settle the dispute. Labour union leader Indrajeet Singh was unhappy that S K Shukla extorted huge amount despite playing only a small role.
“All colony residents are very much thankful to ABI who played crucial role to give us justice,” said Indrajeet Singh.
Hats off ABI! I have high respect for all involved in helping the residents.
???????? Great Job Sir….????????. True, Sincere, Investigative and helpful Journalism.
Thanks. We’re facing the same problems. Can you help us.
I am orchard resident in ghatkopar. Runwal builder has cheated us on the maintenance charges and not transferred to society….he is a thief….of big order….
We are six families still in the colony out of which two have never get a single penny nor from the Birlas neither from Runwal
Great Job done ABI. But,One information , you got wrong from sources that people get triple amount means 15 lacs each, But actually people got maximum 9 lacs.
One most important credit you have not given in this article.
Behind this “JHUK GAYA AASMAN” two dashing ladies Mrs. Basanti Sharma and Mrs. Archana Nekhar have done crucial role.
Mr. S.K. Shukla is a pimp, done nothing and extorted money.
Lawyer Nilesh Pandey can stoop down to any level for money . he was fighting for the victim ( but was bought by her in-laws ) was fooling us for a year. Such lawyers license ought to be cancelled.