In a significant development, the Southern Command in Pune has advised that defaulters engaged in the fraudulent sale of bungalows in the Pune and Khadki cantonment areas face policy-based action. This recommendation follows an ongoing investigation by the Defence Estates Office (DEO) and the Director of Defence Estates Office, Southern Command, into the alleged fraudulent sale of Old Grant Bungalows (OBG) in Pune.
The Director of Defence Estate for Southern Command, Saurav Ray, was transferred to Kolkata as a result of the probe. Earlier, acting defence estates officer (DEO) Amit Mane, stationed in Pune Circle, had faced a transfer, only to be reinstated the following day. The DEO office had sealed ₹350 crore worth of four bungalows during the course of the investigation.
According to a statement from the Southern Command, the CEO/DEO charter under the Principal Directorate, Defence Estates (PDDE), Southern Command, specifically addresses OGBs. The statement advises that defaulters be subjected to appropriate policy-based action, emphasizing that OGBs fall under the DEO/CEO’s purview. Violators will face firm action, as communicated by the army.
Responding to queries about the New Poona Club, which received a takeover notice from the DEO office, the army clarified that the club is a leased property managed by the DEO. Any action for rent recovery and decision-making should be directed to the DEO, Pune Circle.
Earlier, the Defence Estates Directorate had directed the DEO Pune Circle to assume control of the New Club (Poona) Ltd in the cantonment area due to the lease expiring and non-payment of ₹17 crore.
Residents and officials have reported instances of builders and affluent individuals taking over bungalows at various locations, including Queens Garden, Middle Road, Napier Road, East Street, Phyre Road, Moledina Road, Burr Road, and an 11-acre bungalow plot at Khadki Cantonment.
