Developer accused of using political clout to evade compensation
JUSTICE STILL PENDING: The delegation of Prabhu Chambers decree holders after meeting the North Goa Collector on Wednesday morning to press for swift recovery of Rs 7.5 crore from the defaulter developer.
MAPUSA
More than a decade after investing in the controversial Prabhu Chambers building project in Mapusa, frustrated unit holders have renewed their plea for justice, demanding immediate recovery of Rs 7.5 crore awarded to them as compensation and interest by the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GRERA).
Despite securing favourable rulings from every judicial forum, including the GRERA and Principal District Court, North Goa, the decree holders say they are yet to see any meaningful action.
On Wednesday, the aggrieved parties met with the North Goa Collector, urging enforcement of the recovery against defaulter Venkatesh Narayan Prabhu Moni, the project developer.
The Prabhu Chambers project, which began in 2012, remained incomplete until June 2025.
Years of delay forced the unit holders to independently secure occupancy under the supervision of the Mapusa Municipal Council and the District Court.
In accordance with legal provisions, the Rs 7.5 crore recovery is to be executed as arrears of land revenue.
During former Collector Sneha Gitte’s tenure, an arrest warrant had been issued against Prabhu Moni, leading to his arrest and 100-day incarceration at Colvale Jail.
Following his conditional release in April, the Tiswadi Mamlatdar conducted an inquiry into the recovery amount. After hearings, the Mamlatdar passed a detailed order last month, upholding the decree holders’ claim and rejecting the developer’s counter-submissions. A report was submitted to the Collector on May 22.
Subsequently, a show cause notice under Section 129 of the Goa Land Revenue Code was issued to Prabhu Moni, summoning him for a hearing on June 4. However, despite clear court directives to conclude proceedings within 30 days, over 70 days have passed with no further action taken.
The decree holders allege the developer is using political influence to evade enforcement. They expressed grave concern over the prolonged delay, highlighting that four unit holders have died during the legal ordeal due to stress and emotional trauma.
While the Collector assured them that appropriate action would follow, the decree holders warned that unless decisive steps are taken soon, they will resort to a hunger strike in pursuit of justice.
