HDC chief-linked plot error noticed in June; failed to report to police
Documents purportedly leaked online suggest irregularities in the allocation process, including a forged agreement.
Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has come under fire over allegations that Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul's brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rashid, was allocated a plot of land in Hulhumalé under suspicious circumstances. The issue, tied to the government’s Binveriyaa scheme, has sparked accusations of corruption, prompting calls for transparency and accountability.
According to reports circulating on social media, Mohamed Fazeel Rashid was granted a plot of land despite his name not being listed under the Binveriyaa scheme. Documents leaked online suggest irregularities in the allocation process, including a forged agreement.
The controversy began in June when HDC received an application through its portal to construct a boundary wall on plot No. 20768. In July, another application for the same plot was submitted—this time by Fazeel. A similar situation arose with plot No. 20821. These duplicate requests raised red flags at HDC, leading the corporation to notify the Housing Ministry for verification.
During a press conference held Wednesday evening, Fazul addressed the controversy but avoided many direct questions from journalists. He emphasised that HDC’s role is limited to facilitating applications and that decisions regarding land allocations are the responsibility of the housing ministry.
“We highlighted the issue to the housing ministry for verification as soon as discrepancies were noticed. HDC does not issue the registry of the landlord scheme; it is not within our purview,” Fazul said.
Fazul also admitted being aware of the situation as it unfolded but denied any wrongdoing or personal involvement in the alleged allocation to his brother.
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June 2024: HDC received an application to construct a boundary wall on plot No. 20768.
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July 2024: A second application for the same plot was submitted by Mohamed Fazeel.
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July 2024: HDC sent a letter to the housing ministry for clarification on the discrepancies.
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15 August 2024: The Housing Ministry responded, stating that neither applicant was listed as a landlord under the Binveriyaa scheme.
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December 2024: Leaked documents and social media accusations brought the case into the public eye.
The case took a dramatic turn when the police entered HDC headquarters to investigate the matter. Opposition figures, including PNC MP Ahmed Azaan, have accused Fazul of corruption and called for an independent probe.
Fazul, however, has denied allegations of self-interest, stating, “HDC has fulfilled its responsibilities, and we continue to work with the Housing Ministry to identify any irregularities in the process.”
