Kerala: Crime Branch soon to arrest Maradu flat builder

On May 8, the apex court ordered the state government to demolish the buildings violating CRZ rules in Maradu area in Ernakulam. As many as 400 flats will be demolished on the court's order.  

The Crime Branch (CB) team probing the alleged illegal appropriation of government land to build apartments in Kochi's Maradu in violation of CRZ norms will soon arrest managing director of Jain Housing and Construction Sandeep Mehta. This comes after the Madras high court on Tuesday (November 12) overturned the anticipatory bail granted to him.

The high court order was based on a petition filed by the Crime Branch stating that he was not eligible for the anticipatory bail. The owner of the building is currently absconding, and a lookout notice is likely to be issued to prevent him from going abroad, according to sources.

The investing team had earlier served a notice to Mehta for appearing before them, but he refused to obey it. Meanwhile, a search was held in Chennai at his office, and few documents related to the case were found.

Earlier the Supreme Court had ordered interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each flat owner to be paid within four weeks. On May 8, the Supreme Court ordered the state government to demolish the buildings violating CRZ rules in Maradu area in Ernakulam. As many as 400 flats will be demolished on the court's order.