A group of residents from the Chander Kunj Army Towers (CKAT) at Silversand Island, Vyttila, have taken their grievances to the Kerala High Court, seeking a detailed investigation by a central agency into alleged corruption and the poor construction quality of their residential complex. The residents, including Major Prince Jose (retd), a Kargil war veteran, and Honorary Captain Erinjeri Joseph (retd), are particularly distressed over the ongoing police investigation, which they say has been sluggish and ineffective since they first lodged complaints.
The situation for Towers B and C of the complex has reached a critical juncture, with multiple studies suggesting demolition as the safest course of action. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru recently released a report, commissioned by the high court, highlighting significant concerns about the integrity of the buildings. In contrast, the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO), responsible for the construction, has proposed a retrofitting plan prepared by Bureau Veritas, a private firm. However, doubts linger regarding the feasibility and safety of this retrofitting, as outlined in the IISc findings.
In their petition, the residents express deep discontent over what they describe as “gross malpractices and corruption” surrounding the development of the towers. They emphasize the emotional and financial trauma experienced by military personnel who invested their life savings with the expectation of a peaceful retirement. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” they argue, urging the court to ensure a swift investigation and accountability for those responsible for their plight.
Compounding their frustration is the fact that Maradu police have only registered two FIRs related to the ongoing issues, one in June 2022 and another in June 2023, with little apparent progression in the investigative process. Residents highlight that the police did not file FIRs in complaints submitted earlier this year, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the authorities in addressing their plight.
Signs of poor construction quality became evident shortly after the buildings were handed over to owners in 2018, further fueling residents’ fears. The complex features two towers, each with 104 flats, and many inhabitants have reported serious structural issues.
Colonel Ciby George (retd), a resident actively advocating for his community, has taken legal action against the alleged corruption in the construction project. He is also representing the petitioners in their case before the court and has requested immediate evacuation of the unsafe buildings. In his petition, he notes that residents with the financial means to relocate have done so, leaving others, including himself, to remain in unsuitable and unsafe living conditions. He has urged the court to direct the AWHO to facilitate the evacuation of the affected buildings and to provide alternative accommodation for the residents, in accordance with previous orders issued by the district collector.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Chander Kunj Army Towers continue to grapple with the stress and uncertainty of living in compromised conditions, hoping for a resolution that will restore their sense of security and well-being.
