representative image Kochi: residents of Chander Kunj Army Towers on silver sand island Vyttila A writ petition has been filed demanding a CBI or other competent central agency investigation into the irregularities behind the construction of both the towers. Several agencies that inspected the building had said in their reports that the towers were unsafe to live in.
First, Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc), which conducted the review and structural assessment as per the order of the Kerala High Court, recommended the demolition of the twin towers at the AWHO housing complex.
Major Prince Jose (retd) and Captain Eringeri Joseph Paul (retd) are the petitioners in the writ petition, which was filed in the high court on October 8. It said the first petitioner is a retired army officer and a 75-year-old Kargil war veteran. % disability, and the other a retired army officer, both owner and resident of the apartment.
The petitioners submitted that after taking possession of them, the apartment buildings suffered serious structural defects and damage. Buildings started leaking and concrete from tall buildings started cracking and falling. The plea said that various technical studies and inquiries made it clear that the project has suffered losses due to gross misconduct and corruption by various individuals and agencies.
It further added that one of the owners approached JFCM 8, Ernakulam with a complaint and the court directed the Maradu SHO to investigate the complaint, leading to the filing of an FIR.
Another owner lodged a complaint with SHO Maradu and Kochi Police Commissioner and FIR number 1022 was registered on June 6, 2023. The petition alleged that no progress was reported regarding the FIR.
The owners filed several writ petitions (civil) in the HC seeking vacation of the buildings, buy-back option, compensation etc. The court ordered a structural audit by IISc, and a copy of the report recommended that “the structures of towers B and C need to be demolished to avoid any casualties in future.”
The petition seeks to issue appropriate orders or directions to the court directing the CBI or any competent central agency to investigate the FIR and other criminal complaints in the case and prosecute those involved in misconduct and corruption, so that There was huge financial loss and danger. Life and property of residents and public.
The petition was filed naming the Defense Secretary, State Police Chief, Kochi Police Commissioner, Maradu SHO, AWHO MD, Army Towers Residents Welfare Association President and CBI Director as respondents. The first hearing on the petition was held on October 15 and the next hearing is on December 3.
Meanwhile, Colonel (retd) Siby George, a resident, said the delay in eviction from the apartment complexes is increasing their concern as they are still living in the building which has been found unfit for habitation by several agencies.
