Red-tapism, extortion, bankruptcy... what killed Suraj Parmar?

A day after prominent developer Suraj Parmar shot himself to death on Wednesday, several theories explaining reasons behind him taking the extreme step have cropped up. According to some sources, rules regarding the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI), in addition to his projects stuck with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) might have contributed to his frustration.

Sources said the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) president was going through a rough patch professionally. A city developer, who had long been friends with Parmar, said, "The government's recent decision to increase the premium FSI and TMC's move to control the TDR rate had not gone down well with the developers, as these measures put an end to their monopoly over TDR. Parmar, too, was miffed. In addition to that, a few of his projects were waiting for an Occupancy Certificate (OC) for long."

Sources added that Parmar was apparently unhappy with the fact that despite paying a fine, his project at Pokharan Road was not getting an OC. He had, in fact, complained that rather than explaining to him why he was not given an OC, the TMC sent him a legal notice under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, and made that notice an excuse for not giving permission to his finished projects.

Congress corporator Vikrant Chavan, who had earlier accused Parmar of irregularities and had also written a letter to TMC commissioner in this regard, said, "The matter is subjudice and it will not be appropriate to say anything right now. I had levelled allegations against the firm, and not an individual."

His close friends, however, said only the financial troubles might not be the reason, though they may have contributed.

Meanwhile, sources in the police revealed another shocking development, saying Parmar left behind a 15-page suicide note in which he said he was facing extortion and was fed up. Reportedly, in the letter Parmar stated that a few people were extorting money from him. He mentioned he was under continuous pressure. He apparently wrote down over five names but struck them out with a pen in the letter dated October 6.

A source said, "In the letter, Parmar said that initially he did give money to the extortionists but when they demanded more, he refused. The extortionists then started threatening him. He also stated that he didn't want to mention any names as he was afraid they would bother his family after his death. There are also speculations that he was under debt and on the verge of bankruptcy. Investigation is on."

A senior police official from the Thane commissionerate said, "The note was hand written a day prior to the incident. We are investigating and are in touch with his friends and relatives to ascertain if he was facing any kind of problem related to the family or property."

Another senior official said, "The other reason mentioned in the letter is that Parmar's business was not faring well and that because of several obstacles and delays, his clients were suffering."

Param Bir Singh, the Thane police commissioner, confirmed, "Yes, we found a 15-page suicide note. We are studying it. If any person is found to be involved, we will take appropriate action."

Meanwhile. An accidental death report has been registered at the Kasarvadali police station and the final rites were to be conducted on Thursday morning after the body was brought from JJ hospital.