Pune: The Defence Estates office (DEO) here on Thursday confirmed that it had sought action against Lt Col (Retd) Suresh Patil for putting up unauthorised structures on a plot of land rented out to him by a retired major, who holds the occupancy rights of the defence land premises.
Patil was in news recently after he launched a campaign against proposed post-retirement bungalow of President Pratibha Patil on a defence land at Khadki here. He has demanded that the land be utilised for housing the needy ex-servicemen.
The action was initiated against Patil after an inspection of his premises upon a complaint from Major (retd) DV Panse, Holder of the Occupancy Rights (HOR), who had leased a portion to Patil in 1993.
According to DEO, Patil allegedly put up unauthorised construction of about 1,600 sq ft on the premises, which houses an office of his NGO, `Justice for Jawans`.
When contacted, Patil said that the action against him was "vindictive", in view of his current campaign against the presidential bungalow, adding that he had filed an FIR against the officials who inspected his residential premises yesterday "without serving any notice", which amounted to a trespass.
He also denied that he had constructed any unauthorised structure.
The DEO had forwarded its report on the construction to Pune Cantonment Board for "necessary action", its spokesperson said.
PTI
