Firing at Mantri Developers gives Bangalore realtors the jitters

Saturday’s attack on the office of Mantri developers has shocked the apex body of private real estate developers, the Confederation of Real Estate Develolpers Association of India-Karnataka (Credai).

D Srinivasan, chief executive officer of Credai, said on Sunday that though details about the attack, and the question why the attack, were still not forthcoming, the entire builder-developer community had evinced apprehension that the notorious “Mumbai underworld culture” was seeping into hitherto peaceful Bangalore. 

“I believe the governing body will soon meet and discuss this issue and take up with government on the security aspect.” Curiously, Sushil Mantri is the president of Credai. He has been travelling abroad.

 “I am worried about the fallout of this incident,” said Srinivasan. “Everybody is feeling insecure. Today it is Mantri, tomorrow it could be another builder. If the attempt proves to be successful, this sort of extortion will envelop any segment of industry. Where is the safety,” he asked.

He said it was important that the government must get into the act to stem it or there would be havoc.

K Sridhar, chairman of Builders’ Association of India (Karnataka Centre), said he was shocked at the “Mumbai-style attack on Mantri office.”  Sridhar said he condemned the act and everybody felt it was now unsafe in Bangalore.

“This is a dangerous trend if it is not nipped in the bud. While details about why the attack is awaited, I believe we must all urge the government to make police more effective and pick up the dons.” 

Another top developer of Bangalore, who sought anonymity, said though the attack was unsuccessful, it definitely revealed the reach of criminals and police ineffectiveness in tackling them. “I feel unsafe even in my home now.”