Nirav Modi's bungalow, worth Rs. 100 crore, demolished using explosives
What's the story
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sprawling seaside bungalow located in Alibaug, Maharashtra was demolished on Friday. Raigad District Collector Vijay Suryawanshi confirmed explosives were used in the process. The bungalow, named Roopanya, was demolished as it was illegally constructed and violated several environmental norms. Its estimated worth was Rs. 100 crore. Notably, Modi is the prime accused in PNB scam. Here's more.
Property
The bungalow reflected Modi's extravagant lifestyle
The bungalow, constructed as a ground plus one structure, toed the line of Modi's flamboyant lifestyle. The 33,000 square foot luxurious bungalow nestled a sprawling swimming pool and a driveway. It also had resort-like slides, expensive fittings, heavy metal fencing, and a gigantic security gate. District authorities used dynamite sticks to bring it down as the foundation of the bungalow was extremely strong.
Attempts
Authorities used dynamite to speed up process
The authorities started the demolition process on January 25. They used bulldozers but the process was time-taking. Two days later, structural engineers from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technical University conducted a survey and suggested to authorities to use dynamites. The authorities then started drilling holes in the pillar to plant dynamite sticks. A controlled explosion brought down the bungalow.
Case
NGO filed PIL against illegal structures in Raigad
Notably, the bungalow isn't related to the infamous PNB scam. The bungalow was among the 59 structures which flouted environmental norms. In 2009, NGO Shamburaje Yuva Kranti filed public interest litigation (PIL) in Bombay High Court demanding action against illegal bungalows, hotels, and resorts, which dotted the beaches of Raigad. Modi wanted to stall the process but failed to do so.
ED's role
ED handed over bungalow to district administration after removing valuables
The embattled businessman told Bombay HC the bungalow was among his properties which Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached. Later the agency handed over the bungalow to district administration after removing valuables. The agency reportedly recovered one-and-a-half tonne Buddha statue, wall hangings, an antique curtain that allegedly belonged to the Nizam of Hyderabad, chandeliers, and a Rexton RX 270 four-wheel drive from the bungalow.