BJP demands probe into Kandivli defence land

The BJP has demanded a CBI probe in the sale of 1-acre defence plot at Kandivli to a private builder, which they alleged, smacked of favouritism.

The BJP has demanded a CBI probe in the sale of 1-acre defence plot at Kandivli to a private builder, which they alleged, smacked of favouritism.

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BJP leader Kirit Somaiya called it a classic case of bending all rules to favour the builder. “The then revenue minister Narayan Rane lifted all reservations to accommodate the builder,” said Somaiya. He said the land was in the possession of the defence ministry since 1953, which was overruled by the state.

It had been reported in January that the controversial plot was sold 2007 at the rate of Rs1,079 per sqft, which amounted to a measly Rs6 crore.

The internal inquiry by the armed forces raised questions on the sale of this land without the consent of the defence ministry. The collectorate office had defended the sale saying that the initial objections by the armed forces were withdrawn after convincing by the officials of the collectorate.