TV actress alleges foul play in SRA office fire

MUMBAI: Television actress and social activist Kunika Lall has filed an intervening application before the Bombay High Court in a PIL filed by activist Shailesh Gandhi regarding corruption in the implementation of Slum Rehabilitation schemes.

Alleging "gross illegality and fraud" in the destruction of important records in a fire that brokeout in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's (SRA) office in suburban Bandra early this month, Lall has sought a Central agency probe into the incident.

She has highlighted certain facts based on media reports claiming that before the fire, some workers were "advised" by their colleagues not to go to the office on the day of the fire.

The actress has also sought an inquiry into the discussions at a closed-door meeting between Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Municipal Commissioner and SRA's Chief Executive Officer, regarding the High Court's recent orders on the corruption in SRA.

The Urban Development Ministry, which works directly under the Chief Minister, is concerned with the documents gutted in the fire, she has said.

The matter will come up for hearing before the court after vacation.