– SRA project site in Vikhroli
– Body found at Vikhroli SRA project site.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mumbai: Tragedy struck once again at an under-construction Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building in the Vikhroli East area, as a 42-year-old man was discovered dead in the basement. This unsettling discovery comes just two days after the grim find, raising concerns about the safety and security of the site. The police have filed an accidental death report (ADR) in relation to the incident, shedding light on the precarious situation surrounding the ongoing construction.
The troubled history of the SRA building site dates back to a previous incident in 2022, when a 19-year-old man was found murdered at the same spot. The construction project has since been halted due to legal issues involving the builder, who stands accused of deceiving investors in other projects. The site has now become a breeding ground for criminal activities and drug abuse, as reported by residents of the Lareina Residency, the residential component of the development.
The recent tragedy unfolded on the evening of February 15, when locals raised the alarm upon spotting a body floating in an open pit intended for a swimming pool. Neglect and poor maintenance have led to the accumulation of rainwater in the pit, which is strewn with construction debris and discarded beer bottles. The deceased was identified as Raju Manik Yenkappa, a Vikhroli East resident known to frequent the site for alcohol consumption. Police suspect that Yenkappa, under the influence of alcohol, may have accidentally drowned in the pool. The body has been sent for postmortem at Rajawadi Hospital, with results pending.
The Lareina Residency Flat Owners Association president, Eusebius D’Cruz, highlighted the troubled past of the redevelopment project. The contract was initially awarded to Hemant Parikh of SSV Builders and Developers, but was terminated by the SRA in 2017-18. Subsequently, Parikh faced legal action for allegedly defrauding 150 buyers of Rs30 crore in a separate 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 raised significant concerns among residents and stakeholders. D’Cruz emphasised the absence of security guards, lighting, and CCTV surveillance, creating an inviting environment for criminal elements. Local residents have voiced their grievances to the SRA and MahaRera, seeking intervention to ensure the safety of the community. Calls have been made for either Parikh to complete the project or for a new developer to take over, in order to prevent further incidents. Additionally, demands have been made for accountability and action against Parikh for negligence and the tragic loss of Yenkappa.
The troubling saga at the SRA building site underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and swift resolution to prevent further tragedies. The community remains on edge as authorities grapple with the aftermath of yet another disturbing incident in Vikhroli East..
1. SRA project site in Vikhroli
2. Another body found at Vikhroli site.
