28/07/2017
Shiv Sena leader Sunil Sh*tap, arrested in connection with the collapse of Sai Darshan, a residential structure in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, has been named in six cases of unauthorised construction, alleged former Congress corporator from the area, Pravin Chedda.
Sitap was arrested in the Ghatkopar case on Tuesday night and was produced before a court on Wednesday. He has been remanded in police custody for seven days. He has been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (causing death by negligence), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).
According to Chheda, Sh*tap was to carry out an illegal construction on a 25,000-sqft recreation ground at Sainath Nagar in Ghatkopar. Chheda claimed he objected to it and took up the matter with municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta who eventually ordered an inquiry. Then assistant commissioner Sudhanshu Dwivedi was suspended in connection with this case, claimed Chheda.
“Sh*tap specialised in land grabbing and illegal constructions. He is an expert at making forged papers,” said Chheda.
According to residents, Sh*tap planned to convert the hospital into a guesthouse. The renovation work for the guesthouse weakened the building leading to its collapse, alleged residents. Sh*tap owns at least four shops and hotels in Ghatkopar and Powai.
His political stint started with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He contested the BMC elections on the party’s ticket in 2012, but lost. He soon defected to the Shiv Sena, getting a ticket for his wife Swati from ward no 126 in Ghatkopar for the 2017 BMC elections. His wife too lost .
Sh*tap is said to be office-bearer of the Sena cell in the area. According to locals, he is a part of nexus between land mafia, police and BMC department.
The Shiv Sena has distanced itself from Sh*tap, calling him a party hopper. “He has no relation with the Shiv Sena. We gave a ticket to his wife as we wanted an OBC candidate. Neither Sunil nor she visited our office or kept in touch with the Sena after the elections,” said Rajendra Raut, vibhag pramukh of Ghatkopar.
Source: Hindustan Times.
