Belapur, which resulted in three fatalities and two injuries, new revelations have emerged regarding the tenants of the collapsed illegal structure. It has been disclosed that several tenants had paid substantial security deposits, ranging from INR 2 lakh to INR 3 lakh, to the developer implicated in the incident.
The collapsed building, which housed flats between 180 to 270 square feet, had tenants who are now grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. In response to the crisis, five tenants are currently paying INR 500 per day for temporary lodging in a guest house. The situation escalated late Monday when over 1,000 villagers gathered and compelled the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to retract its evacuation order for three neighbouring buildings.
The flat and room owners, through their representatives, assumed responsibility for any potential hazards and submitted a formal undertaking to the authorities. NMMC ward officer Shashikant Tandel was among those present during the proceedings. Statements have been recorded by the NRI Coastal Police from tenants who claimed to have paid hefty deposits to the developer, Mahesh Kumbhar. One tenant, Shaheen Ansari, revealed, “I had paid INR 2 lakh to Mahesh Kumbhar for my flat on the fourth floor.” The police are incorporating these claims into their ongoing investigation.
The revelation of these deposits raises serious concerns about the legality and oversight of such transactions in unregulated buildings. The case underscores the urgent need for stringent regulatory measures and thorough inspections to prevent such tragedies in the future. The tenants’ payments highlight the extent of financial commitment made under precarious conditions and shed light on the broader implications of illegal construction practices in the region. As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on holding accountable those responsible for both the construction violations and the financial exploitation of tenants.
