Demolition of Sara-Sahara complex deferred

MUMBAI: The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGB) has deferred demolition of seven illegal structures which form the Sara-Sahara shopping complex allegedly constructed by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in a downtown area opposite the Commissionerate of Police here.

The demolition would be carried out as and when police provides security cover to civic officials, MCGB officials said on Tuesday adding that they are also awaiting court's decision.

 A Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, which is seized of the matter, is yet to deliver order on a plea made by one of the accused seeking a stay on the demolition of the shopping complex on the ground that the structures are vital piece of evidence and the trial is in progress.

Dawood's brother Iqbal, who was extradited from Dubai, is also facing the trial. The complex stands on a plot of land owned by Central Public Works Department and was illegally built in connivance with municipal officials, according to police.

The Bombay High Court had earlier upheld the order of a lower court allowing demolition of illegal complex allegedly set up by the don.  The tenants of the complex filed an appeal in the Supreme Court which upheld the High Court order.