Residents of the Chander Kunj Army Towers located at Silver Sand Island in Vyttila have taken legal action by filing a writ petition that demands an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another competent central agency regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of the twin towers. This move comes in response to disturbing findings by several inspecting agencies that have reported the buildings as unsafe for occupancy.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, which conducted a structural assessment following a directive from the Kerala High Court, has concluded that the two towers should be demolished to prevent potential casualties. This alarming recommendation raises significant concerns about the integrity of the construction and the safety of the residents.
The petitioners—Major Prince Jose (retd), a Kargil war veteran with a 75% disability, and Captain Erinjeri Joseph Paul (retd)—filed their writ petition on October 8. Both men are retired Army officers and are among the owners and residents of apartments within the complex. They reported serious structural defects shortly after moving into their homes, noting issues like persistent leaking and concrete cracking that posed a risk to the safety of the tenants.
In their petition, the owners alleged that multiple technical investigations have revealed severe malpractices and corruption involving various individuals and organizations throughout the project’s development. One of the apartment owners initially approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Ernakulam with complaints that prompted the officer in charge to investigate, resulting in the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). Another FIR was filed on June 6, 2023, after complaints were made to both the Maradu police station and the Kochi police commissioner. However, the petitioners expressed frustration over the lack of progress on these complaints.
In light of the hazardous living conditions, the owners have submitted several civil writ petitions in the High Court, seeking evacuation of the buildings, options for buy-back, and compensation for their distress. The court’s directive for a structural audit by the IISc led to the crucial recommendation for demolition, further validating the petitioners’ safety concerns.
The writ petition calls for the court to issue directives for a thorough investigation into the FIRs and other related criminal complaints, seeking accountability from those responsible for the alleged malpractice that has led to severe financial implications and dangers threatening the lives of the residents and the general public.
The writ has named several respondents, including the defense secretary, the state police chief, the Kochi police commissioner, the Maradu SHO, the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) managing director, the president of the Army Towers Residents’ Welfare Association, and the CBI director. The first hearing of the lawsuit took place on October 15, with the next scheduled posting on December 3.
As the situation develops, residents like Colonel (retd) Ciby George voice their escalating anxiety due to the continuous delay in evacuation from the apartment complex, which has been deemed unsafe by multiple government bodies.
