Charge-sheet Filed Against Builders, Ex-Panchayat Chief in Kerala Illegal Apartment Case
Three builders, a former CPI(M) panchayat president, an architect, and two government officials have been charge-sheeted in connection with the illegal construction of apartment complexes in Maradu, Kerala.
The chargesheets were filed by the Crime Branch before the Vigilance court in Muvattupuzha on Thursday. Those named include K. A. Devassy, former Maradu panchayat president and CPI(M) leader; M. Muhammad Ashraf, former panchayat secretary; P. E. Joseph, former junior superintendent; and R. Jayaram Naik, former upper division clerk. Among the private individuals are Paul Raj Joseph, managing director of Alfa Serene; architect K. C. George; Sani Francis, managing director of H2O Holy Faith Builders and Developers; Sandeep Mehtha of Jain Coral Cove; and his associate C. Naveen. P. E. Joseph, the third accused in the case, died earlier.
The charges relate to the construction of twin apartment complexes by Alfa Serene and one each by H2O Holy Faith and Jain Coral Cove. These buildings were demolished in January 2020 following a Supreme Court order, which found that they violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and other laws due to their proximity to Vembanad Lake.
The Crime Branch has invoked penal provisions including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence. The former government officials face additional charges of criminal misconduct for allegedly misappropriating property and abusing their official positions for personal gain.
The cases were initiated based on complaints from apartment owners, who claim they were cheated through a conspiracy involving the builders, civic officials, and political leaders. The investigation alleges that the builders obtained illegal building permits by concealing that the construction was in a No Development Zone, and failed to secure required clearances from environmental and defence authorities.
The demolition drew national attention, highlighting issues of encroachment on water bodies and illegal land reclamation.
