New Delhi: After months of controversy, President Pratibha Patil's search for a new home appears to have finally come to an end. Sources tell CNN-IBN, she is close to finalising a government bungalow in Pune, but not without murmurs of discontent.
A picture-perfect government bungalow in the heart of Pune, surrounded by lush gardens, could soon see a new occupant, President Prathibha Patil.
After being embroiled in controversy over her plans to construct a retirement bungalow on defence land, plans that later had to be abandoned amidst vocal protests, sources tell CNN-IBN the President is now close to finalising this location as her new home.
However, senior state police officials have told CNN-IBN they have not been consulted and are upset that police land meant for senior police officers is being used to provide a house for the President.
According to the police officials, land records state that the land belongs to the state police since late 1960s and the bungalow under consideration is currently being occupied by a senior state police official.
Highly-placed police sources say the bungalow is on police land. But police top brass was not informed about the decision, something the state police administration is unhappy about.
However, despite their objections, the state police will not be officially objecting to the allotment.
The choice was made after the President's daughter made an unannounced visit to the bungalow along with state government officials in Pune's Pashan area on June 16. Sources say the officer's family was at home at that time and was taken aback by the visit.
In response to the reports, the President's office only said, "She (the President) is inclined to settle down in Pune. We are unaware of the details."
Till date, the police administration has not yet been informed officially by the President's office or the state government. But sources indicate the bungalow will be given to the President.
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