Alleging land grab, Sanjay Nirupam files complaint against Sena minister Waikar with Lokayukta

Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Monday filed a complaint against Shiv Sena minister Ravindra Waikar with Lokayukta alleging he usurped a government land in Aarey Colony in Mumbai and made illegal construction in a state-run gymnasium there. In his complaint, Nirupam demanded action against the Minister of State for Housing for “misusing” his office and for “exerting” his influence as a minister in “usurping the land”. [caption id=“attachment_2850464” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam. AFP[/caption] Nirupam, a former MP, said he has also demanded action against certain officers of Housing department for their “connivance” in the “land grabbing”. “I have also demanded immediate demolition of the illegal structures in the name of the gymnasium which is being run by Waikar’s family members,” the city unit Congress chief said, claiming the Lokayukta immediately took cognisance of his complaint. He also claimed that the Lokayukta has sought the minister’s explanation within a week. Waikar, the Sena MLA from suburban Jogeshwari, was inducted into state government immediately after his party joined hands with the BJP to form a ruling coalition in 2014. On Wednesday, Nirupam had accused Waikar of “usurping” 20 acres land in Aarey Colony area here and also alleged that Waikar has made an additional construction in the gymnasium located adjacent to the “grabbed” land and has been running the facility through his private unregistered trust. He had also demanded ouster of the minister and registration of an FIR in this regard. Waikar had dismissed the allegations against him. “Aarey Milk Colony’s CEO has been sending letters to Mhada (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) to demolish the illegal part of the structure in the gymnasium for over a year. However, as Waikar is minister of Housing, he is misusing his influence and the structure has not been razed so far,” Nirupam had claimed. Aarey Milk Colony, which has significant greenery, is situated in suburban Goregaon. Part of its total land area is leased out to various organisations and institutions of state and central governments.