New York: In a remarkable turn of events, Bobby Chawla, an Indian-origin resident, witnessed a “Christmas miracle” as squatters, Barry and Barbara Pollack, vacated his home, allowing him to reclaim it. The Chawla family had purchased the house in a bank auction 22 months ago but faced resistance from the Pollacks, who refused to leave.
The Pollacks, who hadn’t paid their mortgage in over a decade, had used legal maneuvers to delay eviction for 17 years, including filing “skeleton” and “frivolous” bankruptcies. Despite being sued for foreclosure in 2008, their prolonged court battles continued for 11 years.
A federal bankruptcy judge recently barred the Pollacks from further filings, prompting their eviction. The New York Post exposed their misuse of the court system, leading to their eventual departure on Friday.
Bobby Chawla expressed relief at this development, calling it a “Christmas Miracle.” However, he emphasized that true satisfaction would only come when he officially regains possession of his home with a judge’s approval.
Heath Berger, Mr. Chawla’s lawyer, remarked on the unusual case, stating, “While most debtors are honest and hard-working individuals…these debtors are not.” The hope is that the Pollacks have filed their last petition in bankruptcy court.
The New York house, now vacant, marks the end of a prolonged legal battle for ownership.
