Kochi: Time is running out for flat owners of the posh Maradu apartment complex, set to be demolished by Friday as per the Supreme Court order.
The builders have washed their hands of the matter and the Kerala government convened an all-party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
The Maradu complex comprises 356 flats in five buildings and 240 families live there. The apex court on September 6 had ordered its demolition by September 20 for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
The apex court had also asked the Kerala Chief Secretary to be present before the Justice Arun Mishra-headed Bench on September 23.
After that, the Maradu municipality served notices to flat owners to vacate the premises by Saturday. But the flat owners have begun a relay hunger strike. From Monday, they will stage protest at the Maradu local body that sanctioned the complex over a decade ago.
“I bought a flat few years back from a person who was staying here. When I purchased it, I didn’t look into who the builder was but the documents and various tax receipts. The bank that had given loan also checked everything. It’s the responsibility of the Kerala government to take appropriate action against wrongdoers,” said an angry flat owner.
Meanwhile, municipality secretary Arif Khan said they had discharged their duties and issued notices to flat owners, but they were not complying with it.
On Sunday, the builders stated in writing to the Maradu municipality that their responsibilities ended a long time ago and they had nothing to do with the present situation.
Builders said they had paid all the taxes and were no longer responsible for anything.
