How J&K Bank officials purchased excess space at exorbitant rates in Mumbai in 2010

SRINAGAR — A preliminary enquiry conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the purchase of a building for Rs 180 crore by the J&K Bank in Mumbai in 2010 has revealed that there was no requirement for purchasing the building and the lowest bidder was twice ignored by the Bank.

Documents in possession of news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveal that a preliminary enquiry conducted by the ACB states that on November 6, 2018, an advertisement was issued by the J&K Bank for purchasing 20000 square feet of integrated office premises at Bandra Kurla, Mumbai.

According to the documents, offers were received from 25 builders and the committee constituted for the task shortlisted eight buildings. “The spot inspection of the shortlisted properties was conducted on 13.12.2008 by a high-level committee of J&K Bank. Amongst these eight parties, the rates offered by Ashapura Builders (Hallmark Business Plaza) were the lowest (Rs 25000 per square feet),” reads the documents.

The ACB probe further revealed that on July 28, 2009, a letter was received by the J&K Bank from M/S Ashapura Builders indicating therein its willingness to offer the 3rd floor of the building measuring 30000 square feet built-up area at Rs 22,500 per square feet chargeable area.

“The application was processed and submitted to then-chairman to take a decision but no decision was taken regarding the finalization of the contract with M/S Ashapura Builder owners,” reads the documents.

According to documents, a committee was constituted with the approval of the chairman to take a view with regard to the offer received. “The committee so constituted has done nothing in respect of offers received especially on the application of M/S Ashapura Builders,” the ACB report reveals.

The ACB enquiry further revealed that upon directions of corporate headquarters J&K Bank, the zonal head Mumbai published another advertisement on January 14, 2010, wherein it was mentioned that J&K Bank required premises on outright purchase basis having office space comprising of about 25000-30000 square feet and residential flats in or around Andheri (15 single BHK 600-800 square feet and 10 double BHK 1000-1200 square feet).

Subsequently, 23 offers were received and M/S Ashapura Builders was again quoted the lowest rate at Rs 25,000 per square feet. “It has been found that no heed once again was paid to the lowest rates offered by the said builder,” reads the anti-graft body’s report.

On February 25, 2010, it has been found that in the Board of Directors meeting, the Director Estate Committee briefed Board members about site inspections of the shortlisted properties conducted by the Estates Committee. “The members were informed that among the shortlisted properties, Akruti Gold BKC meets the requirements of the bank. He further informed the members that the total chargeable area of the entire building was around 42000 square feet area and the rate quoted for the sale was Rs 26000 per square feet area which roughly works out to Rs 109 crores for the entire building and Rs 73 crores for the proposal six floors,” the report said.

“The members of the Board accorded approval to the proposal and decided that Bank should enter into negotiations with the builders on purchasing the entire building. Accordingly, negotiations were held with the builder Akruti Gold BKC and finally, the rate was finalized at Rs 26000 per square feet for nine floors having a total chargeable area of 63776 square feet. A letter of intent was signed with the builder and token money of Rs 25 crores was paid to developer Vishal Techno Commerce Limited,” reads the report.

An enquiry conducted has revealed that there was sufficient space available with J&K Bank for functioning of Branch Bandra Kurla, Zonal Office and Treasury, as such there was no requirement of purchasing any additional accommodation.

“The Zonal office Mumbai, Branch Bandra Kurla and Treasury were already functioning in the Bank’s own buildings,” reads the report.