Promoter pushed for corrective surgery to sell two flats: Cops
Times of India | 16 January 2025
12 Kolkata: The police investigation into the Baghajatin incident has led officers to believe that the accused promoter, Subhas Ray, actively pitched and then pushed the residents to agree to the corrective surgery, named hydraulic jacking. His aim was to sell the two flats on the top floor for at least Rs 50 lakh, a job he was unable to complete as potential buyers kept pointing to the tilted condition of the building. The problem became even more acute after the Garden Reach building collapse.
Two separate teams from the south suburban division have left the city with two distinct purposes. The first team will be tracking Ray, who promoted eight buildings in the area, has switched off his mobile phone, with his last tower location found in the Durgapur area on Tuesday night.
The second team is headed for Haryana, amidst speculation that the company entrusted with the hydraulic jacking job had handed the task to another company. "Even if that has happened, the primary responsibility lies with the Haryana-based company," explained an officer.
Sources claimed that the two unsold apartments are still under the name of the promoter. Brokers were bringing in potential buyers, but some local residents would warn them about the building's condition, making it difficult for the promoter to sell them.
The promoter was eager to straighten the building. After the collapse of a high-rise in Garden Reach, he became more concerned and took steps to quickly rectify the leaning building.