Wanchu retracts, says Ashok Chavan did not propose civilian members

Brigadier MM Wanchu, one of the main promoters of the controversial 31-storey Adarsh high-rise in Colaba, took a U-turn on Thursday claiming that it was not former CM Ashok Chavan, but the housing society’s managing committee that had decided to include civilian members.

Brigadier MM Wanchu, one of the main promoters of the controversial 31-storey Adarsh high-rise in Colaba, took a U-turn on Thursday claiming that it was not former CM Ashok Chavan, but the housing society’s managing committee that had decided to include civilian members.

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Three days ago, Wanchu has pointed fingers at Chavan saying that it was his suggestion to include civilians in the society supposedly formed for defence personnel.

Deposing before the two-member commission constituted to probe irregularities, Wanchu referred to the June 2, 2000, meeting held between the society members and Chavan, who was then the revenue minister. “I am not sure about Ashok Chavan making the statement in the meeting that 20% civilian members would have to be taken,” said Wanchu. When cross-examined by Shyam Mehta, counsel for Chavan, Wanchu said that it was possible that Chavan may not have made the suggestion.

When pressed further, Wanchu said: “Much before the meeting, the managing committee had already decided to accommodate 40% civilian members, including 20% from the SC/ST category.” This is contrary his statement on Monday, when Wanchu had claimed: “If I remember correctly, it was revenue minister Ashok Chavan who suggested that 20% civilian members would have to be taken.”

In his deposition on June 30, Chavan had denied making such a recommendation to the society. “There were no discussions about accommodating civilians. I don’t know who made the recommendation,” Chavan had said.