Jeweller's bail application rejected in Laxmi Chhaya collapse case

Mumbai, July 25 (UNI) A local court here today rejected the anticipatory bail application of Kailash Jain, implicated in the collapse of the Laxmi Chhaya building at Borivali here on July 18 that left 30 people dead.

Jain had allegedly undertaken the renovation of his jewellery shop, Vardaman Jewellery, despite being aware of the weak structure of the building in which his shop was located. The renovation of the shop had allegedly led to the collapse of the entire building.

While rejecting the application, city civil and sessions court principal judge Ashok Bhangale said there is a prima facie case against the applicant. The conduct of the applicant is suspicious, and he may not cooperate with the investigating agency, the judge observed while rejecting the application.

Earlier, while opposing the application, public prosecutor R V Kini contended before the court that Jain had carried out renovation of his shop without taking prior permission from the housing society or other concerned authority. He had not consulted experts before undertaking the renovation work, Advocate Kini told the court.

Incidentally, Jain's brother Sanjay has been booked and arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including one which pertains to causing death by negligence. He has been remanded to police custody till July 31 by the Borivali metropolitan court.

UNI