Bhatia in housing society row

Former IAS officer and anti-corruption crusader Arun Bhatia has lodged a complaint against some office-bearers of his residential complex for barring him from entering the society premises. Bhatia and his wife were returning to their home at Blue Hill Society after going to a restaurant in the wee hours of March 20 when the security guards refused to allow his car into the premises.

According to Bhatia's complaint, security guards posted at the front and rear gate of Blue Hill Society did not allow his car to enter the society premises. When questioned, they said that they were following the society office-bearers' orders.

Bhatia informed the police that the incident was the outcome of his complaint lodged at the Sub Registrar of Co-operative Societies office, alleging corruption by the office-bearers.

Funds, power abuse
In a complaint registered at the Yerawada police station, Bhatia named society manager T Nanda, treasurer Rane, Khirwadkar, Ruksana and Anil Bhat.

"It all started after special audit pointed out that officer-bearer Nanda had misappropriated the society's money for personal gain and even used it for personal trips. We have sought explanation from him several times, but he has avoided our requests," Bhatia said. "Three days ago, Nanda, Khirwadkar and Bhat had ordered cutting of several trees on our society premises. I complained to PMC and the authorities conducted panchanama of tree cutting.

He added that after he raised the issues of corruption, the office-bearers were singling him and his wife out by not picking up garbage or cleaning out landings.

Accused booked
Police Inspector Vishwanth Ghanvat said, "I am investigating the case and so far no action has been taken." The police booked those named in Bhatia's complaint under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for wrongfully restraining a person and for abetting the commission of an offence.