Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought details from the state tourism department regarding allegations that certain tourism department officials had shown undue 'hurry' in purchasing property worth over Rs 49 crore at the iconic World Trade Centre (WTC) in South Mumbai.
Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought details from the state tourism department regarding allegations that certain tourism department officials had shown undue 'hurry' in purchasing property worth over Rs 49 crore at the iconic World Trade Centre (WTC) in South Mumbai.
The allegations first surfaced when it was brought into the open through a letter to MTDC top brass. The letter was purportedly send by AAP chief and anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal. However, an AAP spokesperson denied having send any such letter.
Dna had reported this in its October 18 issue. Insiders believe the letter was sent either by a rival or whistle blower.
An MTDC executive said they got the letter from ACB seeking clarification last month. In it, the agency has sought details of tenders issued, names of officials who handled the files related to the issue, directives given, etc. A detailed report was, accordingly, sent to ACB recently, sources added.
When contacted, director general (ACB) Praveen Dixit said he would, after checking with his staff, get back on the issue by Friday.
Sources said the letter about alleged corruption had led MD of Maharashtra Tourism Department Corporation (MTDC), Valsa Nair Singh, to become cautious of the deal. She then decided to review the deal herself.
As per facts, to buy office space for itself, MTDC issued an open tender. After opening the tenders, it zeroed in on two office spaces – one in Maker Chambers, near Mantralaya, and the second at World Trade Centre (WTC).
MTDC staffers strongly favoured the office space in Maker Chambers because of its connectivity. However, tourism ministry and certain MTDC officials have been pushing for the space at WTC.
The all-furnished 11,662 sq ft of space in Maker Chambers (at Rs 35,000/sq ft) costs around Rs 41 crore (negotiable), and the 12,500 sq ft office in Kale Estate at WTC (at Rs 36,000 per sq ft) costs over Rs 45 crore. Moreover, Maker Chamber has more parking space and other facilities, sources revealed.
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