Pune: Frustrated with repeated delays and unfulfilled promises, residents of Prayeja Puram Cooperative Housing Society, located on Sinhagad Road, staged a day-long sit-in protest on Saturday (December 7) outside the sales office of their builder.

Their demands centered on the return of ₹28 lakh in maintenance funds collected for society upkeep, which the builder has failed to transfer to the society despite numerous follow-ups.

The cooperative society was officially formed, but the builders, Vijay Bandulal Bhandari of M/s Bhandari Gelda Associates and Sandeep Narayan Jani of Prayeja Puram Developers, have yet to transfer the society or return the funds.

Residents claim that the funds were collected as maintenance fees for periods ranging from two to three years from flat owners. The Prayeja Puram project comprises 108 flats and four shops.

Residents allege that the builder’s actions have led to numerous problems. Due to the lack of transferred funds, the society was unable to pay electricity bills, resulting in the disconnection of power meters.

Furthermore, the non-functional elevators have posed severe challenges for senior citizens in the complex.

The residents have intensified their protest, vowing to continue the sit-in overnight at the builder’s sales office until their demands are met. A police complaint has also been filed by the society against the builder.

Speaking about the protest, the residents stated, “We will not vacate the premises until the builder fulfills their promise of returning the maintenance funds. The hardships caused by their negligence are unacceptable.”