Bengaluru residents held at gunpoint: Police to study video, people allege apathy
Bengaluru: A day after Deccan Chronicle broke the story about a face off between a builder and apartment complex residents in Electronics City, a huge contingent of media flocked the complex. The residents of Ajmera Infinity have alleged that the local police were hand in glove with the builder and were harassing them by repeatedly summoning them to police station. After the news report appeared on Friday morning, senior police officials said that strict action will be taken against the guilty. The video, which was put up on social media by one of the Ajmera Infinity residents on Thursday morning, is being verified by the police. Following the hysteria, Deepak Mehta, CEO of Ajmera Housing Company, made a brief visit to the police station on Friday morning.
When DC visited Electronics City police, the station officer said, “We have retrieved the video and are analysing whether the man in the video was holding the gun or something else. The matter is under investigation.” When asked about the FIR registered against the residents, the officer concerned told DC that a complaint and counter complaint has been made by both the parties. “It is a civil dispute and the matter is in the court. We can’t do anything,” he added. However, after the media thronged the jurisdictional police station and asked the cops regarding this matter, they refused to divulge any details.
Read: Builder’s goons hold Bengaluru residents at gunpoint
Meanwhile chaos prevailed at the police station following summons to Ajmera Infinity residents. The residents were made to visit the police station several times. Instead of filing cases against the four men, who were shown on the video, the police have registered a case against four residents and one staff member. “We have been called to the police station several times since morning. The cops are not revealing on what basis they have registered a case against us. action against the builder’s goons,” said Anjan, a resident of Ajmera Infinity.
Police refute allegations:
However, the police refuted charges of apathy towards the residents. DCP (South-East) Dr Boralingaiah told DC, “Thursday was the first time the residents approached the police and their pleas were heard. A team was also sent to the spot soon after the matter was brought to my notice.” Sachin, a resident of Ajmera Infinity, however, refutes the claim. “We have an acknowledgement, dated April 10, where the police have received our complaint. How can they say that we approached them only on Thursday?”
Read: Now we know: Cops in cahoots
Building laws violated?
Residents alleged that the builder had flouting many building by-laws. It is learnt that in one of the units on 18th floor, where the Deepak Mehta resides, the entrance to the terrace has been blocked. “Mehta has locked the property and obstructed our entrance to the terrace. He has converted the terrace into a swimming pool. If tomorrow there is a fire in the building, the residents will not be able to run for their safety,” said another resident. On April 13, the President and Secretary of the Ajmera Housing association were served notice by Doddathogur Gram Panchayat, for allegedly violating Panchayati Raj Act and drawing water connection from the boundary of Hulimangala Gram Panchayat, without valid permission from the panchayat.
