Bribery Incident Uncovered in UP RERA: Accountant Apprehended
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Synopsis
A corruption case has been uncovered in UP RERA, leading to the arrest of accountant Harendra Goswami for accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000. The incident highlights ongoing issues within the regulatory authority, as a frustrated homebuyer seeks justice after years of delays.
Key Takeaways
- Corruption in UP RERA highlighted.
- Accountant Harendra Goswami arrested for bribe.
- Homebuyer Kuldeep Kumar has faced ongoing delays.
- Developer failed to provide required certifications.
- Hope for reforms within UP RERA.
Noida, April 26 (NationPress) A new corruption case has emerged within the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA). On Saturday, the Anti-Corruption Team from Meerut apprehended UP RERA accountant Harendra Goswami in the act of accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000.
The accused reportedly solicited a bribe from a frustrated homebuyer in return for hastening a pending issue related to flat possession.
This situation involves Kuldeep Kumar, an Assistant Director in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Kuldeep purchased a flat in 2014 within the ‘Amaatra Homes’ project situated in Sector-10, Greater Noida. According to the contract, possession was due in 2018.
Nonetheless, the developer failed to secure both the Occupation Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC) and delivered possession in 2019—while also making an illegal demand for an additional Rs 4 lakh.
Kuldeep lodged a complaint with UP RERA regarding these violations. Following an investigation, the appeal submitted by the builder was dismissed in June 2022. Despite this, for the past three years, Kuldeep has neither received legitimate possession of his flat nor has the builder faced any penalties.
During this prolonged wait, accountant Harendra Goswami sought a bribe of Rs 50,000 from Kuldeep to “accelerate” the case, according to officials. When Kuldeep indicated he could not pay such a hefty amount, Goswami suggested an immediate payment of Rs 5,000, with the rest to follow later. Kuldeep then contacted the Anti-Corruption branch and lodged a formal complaint.
In a meticulously planned operation, as soon as Goswami accepted the Rs 5,000, the Anti-Corruption Team arrested him on the scene. He was subsequently taken to the Beta-2 police station for interrogation, and legal actions are currently in progress.
Addressing the media, Kuldeep stated: “Even as a central government officer, I have been fighting for justice for the past three years. I now hope this incident will spark much-needed reforms in UP RERA and assist other victims in obtaining timely justice.”
