Court asks ACB to inquire into complaint against Hiranandani

The court directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while hearing the complaint filed by activist Santosh Daundkar against Hiranandani for allegedly cheating the government by using their land to his benefit.

According to the complaint, in 1977, the state had announced the Powai Housing Development Scheme for the economically weaker sections (EWS), to be implemented over 140 hectares.

In 1986, the state government signed an agreement with Hiranandani, and handed over 230 acres on an 80-year lease at the rate of 40 paise per acre. The builder was asked to build flats for EWS and sell them at the rate of Rs 150 per sq ft.

However, an inquiry conducted in 2009 revealed that out of the government-sanctioned built-up area, the developer had utilised only a part, while the rest was converted into luxury apartments, which were sold at a premium price, the complaint said.