Pune : Action against fraudulent bungalow sales defaulters advised by Southern Command

The Southern Command in Pune has advised that defaulters involved in the fraudulent sale of bungalows in the Pune and Khadki cantonment areas be subject to policy-based action.

In response to a request for information regarding the investigation into the fraudulent sale of Old Grant Bungalows (OBG) in Pune by the Defence Estates Office (DEO) and the Director of Defence Estates Office, Southern Command, Headquarters Southern Command responded.

Saurav Ray, the Director of Defence Estate for Southern Command, was also transferred to Kolkata as a result of the probe. Previously, on January 22, Pune Circle Amit Mane, the acting defence estates officer (DEO), was transferred by the Director General of Defence Estates Office (DGDE), but the following day, he was reinstated as an additional DEO. ₹350 crore worth of four bungalows had been sealed by the office.

According to the Southern Command statement, the CEO/DEO charter under the Principal Directorate, Defence Estates (PDDE), Southern Command, addresses OGBs. PDDE, Southern Command, should therefore be consulted for input on the matter. It is advised that the defaulters be subject to appropriate policy-based action since the OGBs fall under the DEO/CEO’s purview. Violators will receive a message from a firm action.

The army responded to a question about what further steps were being taken in relation to the New Poona Club, which has received a takeover notice from the DEO office, by saying that the club is a leased property managed by the DEO and that any action for rent recovery and decision-making should be sent to the DEO, Pune Circle.

The Defence Estates Directorate had earlier directed the Defence Estates Officer (DEO) Pune Circle to assume control of the New Club (Poona) Ltd in the cantonment area as a result of the lease expiring and non-payment of ₹17 crore.

According to residents and officials, builders and wealthy individuals have taken over a number of bungalows at Queens Garden, Middle Road, Napier Road, East Street, Phyre Road, Moledina Road, Burr Road, and an 11-acre bungalow plot at Khadki Cantonment.