Kochi: Owners of the to-be-demolished flats at Maradu in Kerala's Ernakulam district have alleged that several of their belongings, including electronic equipment, have been stolen from the apartments.
Electronic equipment such as air-conditioner and fans, and expensive sanitary-ware were reportedly among the missing articles. The municipal authorities said that they were ready to probe if a complaint was given.
The owners made the allegations after they were allowed entry to the flats to remove the remaining the objects from the apartments on Wednesday by the Justice k Balakrishnan Nair committee, ahead of the court-ordered demolition. Only the owners were allowed to enter their flats. They were given time till 7:30pm.
The ownership of the door and windows were given to the contract companies, tasked with the demolition. However, flat owners alleged widespread irregularities in this move.
The companies have been given the right over doors that were installed by the owners at their own expense. It was also alleged that no proper estimates were done before the door, and steel railings were given to the companies.
Flat owner Biyoj Chennat claimed that articles worth Rs 5 to 6 crore have been siphoned off in this manner. He further alleged that large number of articles were taken away in the boat via the backwaters.
The Supreme Court had ordered for the demolition of the flats, which were built by violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. The SC also ordered to give an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each owner.
Rs 57.75 crore compensation
The Justice K Balakrishnan Nair committee has so far recommended to give the interim compensation to 231 flat owners. Each owner would be given Rs 25 lakh and a total of Rs 57.75 crore has been allotted for this.
The committee that met on Wednesday had approved four more compensation applications. Those who have already got the nod for compensation include, Kerala Chief Minister's media advisor John Brittas, director Blessy, director Amal Neerad, actor Soubin Shahir and Dr V P Gangadharan.
