Paid advance as I was assured of a flat in Adarsh: retd colonel

Retired colonel KJS Khurana, on Friday, told the Adarsh inquiry commission that he had paid Rs 49 lakh for an apartment even though his name had not been approved as a member of the Adarsh housing society.

Retired colonel KJS Khurana, on Friday, told the Adarsh inquiry commission that he had paid Rs 49 lakh for an apartment even though his name had not been approved as a member of the Adarsh housing society.

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Deposing before the two-member commission, 68-year-old Khurana said he had paid the amount as advance between 2007 and 2009, though his membership was approved only in March 2010. "I was assured of a flat in the Adarsh building and money was required for construction of the building. Therefore, I made the payment," said Khurana.

"The executive committee of the society gave me that assurance." Khurana named Brigadier Wanchu, RC Thakur, and Kanhaiyalal Gidwani as members of the executive committee.

The other person who deposed before the inquiry commission was Arun Adate, who works as a supervisor at Sinhagad College, Lonavala. Adate had an annual income of Rs 1.20 lakh in 2004, but paid Rs 63.16 lakh for a flat in the controversial building.

The Adarsh society has been mired in controversy following allegations that it was built in violation of rules and that defence personnel, politicians and bureaucrats colluded to grab apartments in the plush society.