Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 18: The flat owners of "Voyager" apartment located in Kadabettu here have come forward with allegations against the builder, Amrith Shenoy, accusing him of cheating, issuing threats, and assigning single flats to multiple individuals.

During a press conference held on June 17 within the apartment premises, Girish Aithal, the president of "The Voyager" flat owners association, stated, "Voyager apartments consist of 36 residential units. The builder, Amrith Shenoy, has collected over 30 lakhs from each resident, yet the houses have not been registered in the buyers' names. He was financially supported by Canara Bank, Manipal, with a loan of 15 crore for the construction of the flats. However, a payment of Rs 4 crore is still pending. There are no proper parking facilities or drinking water supply. The residents are reliant on tanker water supply, and there is also a lack of adequate electricity facilities. Temporary electricity supply is being used. More than 150 people are currently residing in the 36 apartments. Each flat owner has made payment through cheques or online transactions, providing proof of payment. There is inadequate security, and 40% of the work remains unfinished. The building has gained notoriety as an illegal structure. Numerous cases have been registered against Amrith Shenoy in Udupi, with around 15 warrants issued, but no action has been taken against him. He threatens flat owners who question him. The current residents collectively paid approximately 53 lakhs to the bank to prevent the auction of the apartment when bank officials arrived."

Jacintha Mendonca, a resident, shared with the media, "I have paid the full amount to builder Amrith Shenoy. I took a loan of Rs 53 lacs and paid him, but the apartment is still not registered in my name. I reside on the 9th floor. The elevator does not work, and many people have been stuck in it for hours. This has made me fearful of sending my children in the elevator. It is extremely difficult to climb the stairs from the ninth floor. When we request repairs for the elevator or ask about registration, he scolds us, claiming that he will teach us a lesson once his party comes into power. He also threatens us, stating that all police and government officials are under his control, making us feel powerless."

Joshitha Mathias, another resident, shared her experience, saying, "I paid an advance of one lakh and purchased the flat in 2013. In 2017, I paid the full amount by utilizing my provident fund and taking a loan. When I asked for the apartment to be registered in my name, he made us run around for two days to obtain the necessary documents, but he still did not register the flat. I paid Rs 37 lacs, and the interior work is still pending. I had to use my own money to complete the interior work."

Panduranga Rao, a senior citizen, spoke to the media about his plight, saying, "I sold all my possessions, including my wife's necklace, to pay 65 lakhs. As the elevator does not work, I rarely descend the stairs, and it is extremely painful for a senior citizen like me. My wife and I were also stuck in the elevator for hours. The apartment does not have a backup generator either."

The residents further accused Amrith Shenoy of selling the same flat to multiple buyers. In some cases, he has sold the same flat to three different buyers and facilitated loans from the same bank.

The residents filed a case against Amrith Shenoy two years ago, and an FIR was registered. Recently, another case was registered against the builder at the Udupi Town Police Station under IPC sections 406, 417, 418, and 420 on June 13, 2023. The residents have decided to fight for justice through legal means. Next week, they plan to visit Bangalore and file a case in the High Court. They have also resolved to meet with chief minister Siddaramaiah and bring this issue to his attention.