Complete the fencing within a month: Bombay high court to PWD

The Bombay high court has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to construct the gate and complete the fencing of the defunct Shakti Mill Compound, Mahalaxmi, within a month. The dilapidated mill was where a photo-journalist was gang-raped by five accused last August.

Naushad Engineer, an amicus curiae appointed by the court informed that the work would be completed within four weeks. A phase-wide set up was undertaken up by the PWD. In the first phase, the shrubbery and other debris was cleared. In the second phase, the department had increased the height of the walls of the compound and closed all the arches, which were used as entry gates from the railway lines.

Engineer also informed the court that either flood lights or LED lights can be fitted to avoid any kind of trespassing. He submitted a report saying, if LED lights are fitted it would cost Rs27 lakhs while normal lights would cost Rs21 lakhs. Engineer also added, if LED lights are installed then the initial capital cost Rs94,000 per year can be saved.

Justice NM Jamdar, directed the official liquidator office of the HC, which is the caretaker of the mill property to finalise the kind of installation and submit a report within two weeks. Once the report is accepted by the court, the third and final phase would be completed within two months. The total cost of the three phases is would be around Rs1.58 crore.