Worli Slum Dwellers Demand Swift Action Following Extortion Bid on SRA Project
The slum dwellers in the Worli area have called for urgent action following an extortion attempt that targeted an SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) housing project. The extortionists, including a former Shiv Sena corporator, allegedly tried to hijack the ongoing project that aims to provide homes to around 2,000 families.
The incident has sparked outrage among the affected residents who fear that such criminal activities could cause further delays in the completion of their long-awaited homes. The project, which holds great significance for these families, has already faced numerous hurdles. The slum dwellers, who have been waiting for years to move into their new homes, expressed their concerns about the potential setbacks that the extortion plot could cause.
The extortion bid came to light on February 2, when the Navghar police arrested Himanshu Shah, a key suspect, while he was accepting the first instalment of the extortion money. Shah was caught red-handed receiving Rs 15 lakh, the initial payment of a larger extortion demand that totalled Rs 1.5 crores. The total amount was initially set at Rs 10 crores, but negotiations led to the reduction of the sum. Following Shah’s arrest, the police continued their investigation, leading to the capture of three additional suspects from Vasai, including Swapnil Bandekar, a former Shiv Sena corporator. The authorities have confirmed that the accused are currently in police custody, and the investigation is still ongoing. The fifth suspect in the case remains absconding, with the police keeping details under wraps for now. Senior police inspector Dhiraj Koli of the Navghar police station confirmed that the investigation is progressing, but declined to provide further specifics. However, the police have expressed their determination to apprehend all involved parties and bring them to justice.
The residents of the SRA project have voiced their anger and frustration over the extortion attempt, which they fear could further delay their chances of moving into their new homes. Advocate Nilesh Pandey, representing the slum dwellers, spoke to the media, demanding immediate arrests and urging that those behind the extortion scheme be exposed. Akash Gupta, the contractor managing the SRA project, added that one of the tenants from the SRA project had allegedly shared critical information about the housing project with the accused, enabling them to target it for extortion. Gupta further confirmed that the contractor’s firm has been working on this project for some time and was shocked by the attempt to hijack it. The SRA project, which was initially conceived to provide much-needed homes for the impoverished residents of Worli’s slums, has seen its fair share of delays over the years. For the families waiting to move into these new homes, any disruption caused by external criminal activities is seen as a grave concern.
For many of the slum dwellers, this housing project represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream – to have a safe, secure, and permanent home. With the project already facing delays, the recent extortion attempt has left them feeling even more vulnerable. Residents have demanded that authorities ensure that such incidents are dealt with swiftly and that the project is completed without further interruptions. The demand for swift action is growing louder, as the community seeks justice and accountability from both the accused and anyone involved in orchestrating the extortion plot. The slum dwellers are hopeful that the ongoing investigation will not only bring the criminals to justice but also send a strong message against attempts to undermine such vital development projects.
As the police continue their investigation into the extortion bid, the Worli slum dwellers remain vigilant, demanding justice and the timely completion of the SRA housing project. For them, this isn’t just about securing homes; it’s about ensuring that their future is not compromised by criminal activities aimed at exploiting their vulnerable situation. The outcome of this case will likely set an important precedent for how similar extortion attempts are handled in the future, especially in the context of public housing projects. The authorities now face the challenge of ensuring that the project is completed as planned and that the families can finally move into their dream homes, free from the threat of further delays or disruptions.
