AP State Wakf Board to Sue Real Estate Firm for Property Damage
The AP State Wakf Board (SWB) is planning legal action against a real estate company for allegedly damaging its property. According to Wakf Board officials, the firm encroached upon certain Wakf properties situated in Lakdi-ka-pul.
Real estate firm faces sue from the Wakf board.
The foundation of this case lies in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) granting permission to the real estate firm to erect a commercial structure near Mumtaz Mansion in Lakdi-ka-pul. The GHMC sanctioned the construction of a G+4 commercial building spanning 2125 sq. m.
The real estate builder subsequently initiated foundation work at the site. It emerged later that the foundation work damaged some graves. The matter was consequently reported to the chief minister.
Inspections conducted by the SWB revealed that approximately 621 sq. m of Wakf property had been infringed upon by the real estate developer. The Wakf property included graves and part of an area belonging to a mosque.
Wakf board stands firm against real estate encroachments.
The board promptly brought the issue before the GHMC in September. Following an inspection of the site, GHMC officials requested a clarification from the real estate builder in November. Subsequently, the corporation revoked the permit because the real estate builder failed to adequately address the matter.
The commissioner of GHMC accused the real estate developer of securing permissions through deceitful means. The official stated that the real estate builder presented different plans to obtain the approval. One of the plans included the graveyard, while the other omitted it. The initial proposed plan incorporated the memorial site, whereas the subsequent plan did not.
Board officials commented that numerous Wakf properties are subject to encroachment. They further noted their shock at the encroachment of their property in the city center. They added, "that normally they come to know about the encroachment only after the construction gets over. This was a case in which they came to know about the encroachment early and before the construction was completed."
Sources familiar with the SWB revealed that the body intends to take firm action against these intruders. The board is expected to file a case against the real estate builders seeking compensation.