Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's plan to build a bungalow in the Pali Hill neighbourhood of Mumbai's Bandra has run into trouble. Some residents are opposing the proposal mooted by the Virgo Co-operative Housing Society.
Pamela de Sa and daughter Geneve have complained to the deputy registrar of co-operative housing societies. The society's managing panel has been pushing the proposal, a "falsely-conceived redevelopment plan."
Geneve said the society wanted to go ahead with the plan. This would give 20,000 sq ft and 1:1 land area to the actor. The proposal stated 60 per cent of the property needed to be sold to the actor.
"They have to appoint architects, float tenders and select the highest bidder. But they have accepted the proposal without following any norm. According to the law, the entire land needs to be redeveloped."“Under the guise of redevelopment, they have procured votes from members. The special general body meet did not have the quorum. They have sent copies of Khan's letter to all members and asked us to sell properties.”
She claimed when Khan made the offer in December 2011, it was voted out in the special general body meet.
The society has 23 members and two buildings, Marina Apartments and Bella (From left to right) Geneve de Vista, together 36,207 sq ft.
Sa and Pamela de Sa
Secretary Kondon Sabloak did not give comments.
The Indian Express quoted Sabloak: "Such allegations are baseless and intended to spoil the development. They are being made by some who have not given their consent to redevelopment. The voting was done in a fair manner and the entire process was recorded on camera.”
A spokesperson of Spice, which handles press relations for Khan, said the actor had denied all allegations of pressuring the society to go for redevelopment. “Khan left the building a year ago after a slab of concrete fell on the head of one member, resulting in hospitalisation.”
“Over the months, in his absence, the society had several meetings and discussions regarding redevelopment. The general body passed a resolution, with 80 per cent voting in favour of redevelopment. The society then requested Khan to make an offer. In his offer letter, he suggested to the society to invite other offers to ensure the best value.”
