US: Squatters finally exit Indian's home in New York; check details

PTC Web Desk: An Indian origin man residing in New York, United States, experienced what he described as a "Christmas miracle" when two persons unlawfully occupying his purchased residence finally vacated the premises. Bobby Chawla's family had acquired the property at an auction held by a bank at least 22 months ago. However, they were unable to occupy the house as Barry and Barbara Pollack, accused squatters, adamantly refused to leave. The Pollacks had ceased paying their mortgage over a decade ago and were captured on video instructing the Chawla family to "return to Pakistan."

As detailed by the New York Post, the Pollacks originally bought the house in September 1990 for $255,000. Financial difficulties in 2006 led to their discontinuation of mortgage payments. Resorting to a strategy of repeatedly filing baseless bankruptcies across three different courts, they managed to delay eviction proceedings for a staggering 17 years, allowing them to remain in the New York property without meeting mortgage obligations for nearly two decades.

Following a prolonged legal battle, the home eventually entered a bank auction after the Pollacks faced a foreclosure lawsuit in 2008, extending the case's resolution for 11 years. To prevent further extensions of their stay, a federal bankruptcy judge recently prohibited the Pollacks from making additional filings. Despite this ruling, the squatters persisted in their refusal to vacate until their misuse of the legal system was exposed by the New York Post. Reportedly, the Pollacks finally left the premises on Friday, leaving the New York property seemingly unoccupied.

Expressing his sentiments, Bobby Chawla said, "It feels like a Christmas Miracle, I can't believe it," acknowledging relief but emphasising the need for a judge's approval to officially take over the property."

He added, "I did feel a sense of relief... but I won't be satisfied until I have possession of my home. This guy is not to be trusted," echoing the sentiments of the Indian-origin man as reported by the Post.

In a separate statement, Chawla's attorney, Heath Berger, remarked, "While most debtors seek a genuine fresh start in bankruptcy as honest and hard-working individuals, these debtors do not fit that description." He expressed hope that the Pollacks had made their final appearance in bankruptcy court.