Naik further warned that if no action is forthcoming from the authorities, then the panchayat would lead morchas to the offices of the officials concerned.
Addressing the media at the panchayat office on Tuesday, Naik said that when last week they met the FDA director Salim Veljee he assured that action would be taken against the restaurateur for running the restaurant illegally.
“But immediately the next day he changed stance and told us that he would grant licence to the restaurant as he has the powers to do so, without NOC from the panchayat,” Naik said while citing how the higher authorities are favouring the restaurateur.
“If a common man runs business without approvals, then the authorities are ready to pounce on him but when a mighty person is involved, the same authorities will find ways to help him,” Naik opined.
When Herald contacted Veljee, he declined to comment saying he was not aware of the allegations made against him.
Further, Naik said that despite clear violations of laws, authorities like the FDA, health, directorate of panchayats and others were not taking action and the illegal restaurant continues to function without fear of the local panchayat.
“The panchayat had issued demolition order to the illegal restaurant but the party went to the additional director of panchayats and got stay. But, despite the stay the construction of the restaurant continued in full swing,” Naik said while stating that even when the violation was brought to the notice of the higher authorities no action was forthcoming.
Naik further showed photographs of the restaurant during its initial stage of construction, when the stay was granted. “Today, the restaurant looks like a five-star restaurant and the restaurateur is involved in more illegalities, bolstered by the support that he receives from various government authorities,” Naik said and opined that this wouldn’t have happened if the authorities concerned had taken timely action.
