42-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Basement of Under-Construction SRA Building in Vikhroli East, Mumbai – Victim Identified as Raju Manik Yenkappa – Similar Murder Case in 2022 – Builder Arrested for Duping Buyers – Drug Den and Criminal Activities Reported – Lack of Security Measures Criticized – Residents Demand Justice and Accountability – SRA and MahaRera Urged to Take Action – Safety Concerns Raised in Lareina Residency Project Site

1. Two years later another body found at SRA project site in Vikhroli
2. Another body discovered at SRA project site in Vikhroli two years later.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A tragic incident unfolded in Mumbai’s Vikhroli East area, where a 42-year-old man was discovered lifeless in the basement of an under-construction Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building. This discovery has brought back haunting memories of a similar incident that occurred in 2022, when a 19-year-old man was found murdered at the same location. The construction of the building has been halted due to legal issues surrounding the builder, who was arrested for deceiving investors in other projects.

The atmosphere at the project site has deteriorated significantly in the absence of ongoing construction activities. Locals have reported that the site has turned into a hub for drug addicts and criminal activities, creating a sense of unease among the residents of Lareina Residency, the saleable component of the project. The desolate state of the site has raised concerns about the safety and security of the surrounding community.

The recent incident came to light when passersby noticed the body of the deceased floating in an open pit originally intended for a swimming pool. The pit, filled with rainwater and construction debris, has become a dumping ground for beer bottles discarded by delinquents. The victim, identified as Raju Manik Yenkappa, was a frequent visitor to the site for alcohol consumption. Authorities suspect that Yenkappa, in an inebriated state, may have accidentally fallen into the pool and drowned. His body has been sent for postmortem, with the results pending.

In a disturbing parallel, a similar tragedy befell the construction site in 2022 when the body of Sumit Jambale, aged 19, was discovered in the same pool. Initially deemed an accidental death, further investigation revealed it to be a case of murder, leading to the arrest of Gaurav Shellar, aged 20, for the crime.

Eusebius D’Cruz, president of the Lareina Residency Flat Owners Association, shed light on the tumultuous history of the redevelopment project. The contract was awarded to Hemant Parikh of SSV Builders and Developers, only to be terminated by the SRA in 2017-18. Subsequently, Parikh faced allegations of defrauding 150 buyers of Rs30 crore under the guise of selling flats in the Vikhroli project at Tagore Nagar. After evading authorities for three years, Parikh was apprehended by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in 2021 and is currently out on bail.

The lack of security measures at the under-construction site has been a major point of contention for residents. D’Cruz highlighted the absence of security guards, lighting, and CCTV surveillance, creating a breeding ground for anti-social elements. Concerned for their safety, residents have petitioned the SRA, MahaRera, and the courts for intervention. They demand either the completion of the project under Parikh’s supervision or the appointment of a new developer to prevent future tragedies. Additionally, they seek accountability from Parikh for negligence leading to Yenkappa’s demise.

The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with under-construction projects in urban areas. The need for stringent security measures and regulatory oversight is paramount to safeguarding the well-being of residents and preventing further incidents of this nature..

– SRA project site in Vikhroli
– Another body found at Vikhroli site.