Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Sep 11: The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged corruption linked to illegal construction of multi-storey buildings in certain parts of Kolkata.
A division bench comprising newly appointed Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge and Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed that the CBI may, if necessary, constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct the probe.
The court directed the CBI to submit a preliminary report by October 14.
The case relates to allegations that several illegal multi-storey constructions in areas including Rajabazar, Beliaghata, Maniktala and Canal East Road were not demolished despite an earlier clear direction from the Calcutta High Court.
A petition before the court alleged corruption involving several crores of rupees in connection with the illegal constructions. It also raised allegations of money laundering and illegal investment of foreign currency in the illegal multi-storey construction business.
The petitioner further alleged that several structures were constructed without the minimum required permits, posing a potential risk to national security.
During the hearing, the division bench observed that the state administration and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) should have initiated a suo motu inquiry into the matter. The court also said the KMC should have taken the initiative to demolish the illegal constructions on its own.
The judges were not satisfied with the submission of the KMC counsel seeking additional time to file a detailed report. They pointed out that 42 such high-rise constructions had earlier been identified by the court as illegal.
The court subsequently allowed the petition seeking a CBI probe.
It directed the CBI to immediately begin the preliminary investigation by collecting relevant data and documents from the KMC and the Kolkata Police.