Latest news with #CibyGeorge
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Time of India
Maradu police launch probe into faulty construction of Chander Kunj Army Towers
Kochi: Maradu police have registered one more FIR and begun an investigation into the alleged faulty construction of Chander Kunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila. The FIR was registered under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. The FIR was registered on July 21, based on a court directive after Colonel (retd) Ciby George, a resident of the Army towers, filed a private complaint before Ernakulam judicial first-class magistrate court-VIII. The FIR states that the crime was committed with the intention of making excessive profits by cheating the complainant and others. The three towers of the apartment complex were constructed under the ownership of Army Welfare Housing Organisation, without obtaining necessary sanctions from govt departments and by using low-quality materials. The complainant purchased one of the flats in the building on May 31, 2018, but the flat started developing damages and became uninhabitable. The accused committed the crime by overseeing the construction at various stages and at other times. The FIR was registered after the petition filed before the court was forwarded to the station, the FIR states. Maradu station house officer (SHO) filed a report before the court on July 15 stating that the case was of a serious nature and there was a need for a special unit of police to investigate it. The case diary was submitted to higher-ups so that the probe could be transferred to crime branch. Further procedures were in process regarding the same, the report stated. Maradu police are also investigating three other cases registered in connection with the issue. Earlier, the high court on June 16 declined to order a CBI investigation into the alleged corruption behind the dilapidated condition of towers B and C on a petition filed by George.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Crime branch likely to take over probe into Chander Kunj Army Towers construction irregularities
Kochi: A criminal investigation into the alleged irregularities in the construction of Chander Kunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island in Vyttila is likely to be taken over by crime branch (CB) soon. The move comes even as high court on June 16 declined to order a CBI investigation into the alleged corruption behind the dilapidated condition of towers B and C. According to a report filed by Maradu station house officer (SHO) on July 15 before district judicial first class magistrate court-VIII, the case was of a serious nature and there was a need for a special unit of the police to investigate it. The case diary was submitted to the higher-ups so that the probe can be transferred to the crime branch. Further procedures were in process regarding the same, the report said. The report was filed in response to a private complaint by Colonel (retd) Ciby George, a resident of the army towers. The report stated that, as per initial investigation, the building was constructed in an area marked as 'nilam' with Tripunithura village office and that the building was constructed without following the norms. It further stated that high court, after examining reports from IIT-Madras, IISc Bangalore, vigilance officer, LSGD and PWD engineer, found that Tower-B and Tower-C were not habitable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The report also added that, prima facie, the building was constructed without obtaining necessary certificates, its plan underwent unauthorised alterations and construction was done without quality materials. It further added that the building started showing structural faults within a year of construction. The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) collected Rs 130 crore from 208 families living in the towers involved in the case and that an investigation needs to be done to find how AWHO spent this amount, report stated. The report also adds that three cases were under probe regarding the allegations referred to in the private complaint. The court, however, ordered the registration of an additional FIR as per the private complaint. George earlier approached HC seeking a CBI investigation, which the court declined. He is planning to move the court with an appeal.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
Chander Kunj Towers graft allegation: Kerala HC declines to order CBI probe
Kochi: High court on Monday declined to order a CBI investigation into the alleged corruption behind the dilapidated condition of Towers B and C of the Chander Kunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island in Vyttila. While disposing of the petition filed by Ciby George, an occupant of the residential towers, seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged corruption in the construction of the towers, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan observed that the court cannot exercise its powers arbitrarily. The court further noted that it need not invoke its discretionary jurisdiction to direct the CBI to register an FIR. It also emphasised that once a criminal case is registered, there can be a direction to entrust the investigation to the CBI. Such directions can be issued only in extraordinary situations. The Chander Kunj Army Towers, completed in July 2018, consist of three towers — Tower A (14 storeys) and Towers B and C (26 storeys each, including a stilt and basement) — comprising a total of 264 dwelling units, along with amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and sewage treatment plant. In Nov 2023, IIT Madras submitted a report highlighting significant corrosion in the concrete due to high chloride content, posing a serious safety risk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Get Quote Undo The report recommended the immediate evacuation of all residents from Towers B and C. Following this, on Feb 3, 2025, the high court ordered the demolition and reconstruction of the two towers. In his petition, George sought a directive to the CBI under Sections 60, 71, and 72 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to register a case on the allegation of corruption and complete the investigation in a time-bound manner, prior to the demolition of the affected towers. He also sought a directive to the central govt and chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to take urgent action under the Act based on his representation and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law. However, the court rejected these prayers, clarifying that the petitioner is free to pursue his grievance before the appropriate authority.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Chander Kunj: Plea seeks CBI probe into graft
: A petition has been filed in high court seeking a into the alleged behind the dilapidated condition of Towers B and C of the at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila. Considering the petition filed by Ciby George, an occupant of the residential towers, the bench of Justice P V Kunhikrishnan sought instructions from the central govt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The court also directed the deputy solicitor general to obtain instructions from the defence secretary on whether any similar petition had been received and whether any action had been taken. The petition was adjourned to June 3 for further consideration. Chander Kunj Towers, completed in July 2018, comprises three towers — Tower A (14 storeys) and Towers B and C (26 storeys each, with a stilt and basement) — housing a total of 264 dwelling units, along with amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and sewage treatment plant. Most units were handed over to the allottees by the end of 2018. Concerns over the structural integrity of Towers B and C first emerged in Nov 2019, when residents reported seepage and water leakage. Subsequently, serious concerns regarding structural stability were raised. In Nov 2023, IIT Madras submitted a report highlighting significant corrosion in the concrete due to high chloride content, posing a serious safety risk. The report recommended immediate evacuation of all residents from Towers B and C. Following this, on Feb 3, 2025, HC ordered the demolition and reconstruction of the two towers. The petitioner alleged corruption at various levels during the construction of the towers and sought a time-bound investigation.
