BMC initiates demolition action against 128 luxury flats over unauthorised constructions

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated demolition action against alleged unauthorised constructions at a luxury residential project in Mumbai. The civic body has begun action against 128 flats in the Rustomjee Crown project. According to reports, some of the flats are linked to politicians, government officials and prominent businessmen in Maharashtra.

The action follows a complaint that some flat owners had illegally extended their apartments into common open spaces around the building's lifts. The encroached area is estimated to be worth more than Rs 250 crore. Property in this part of the building is reportedly valued at more than Rs 1 lakh per square foot.

RTI activist Santosh Daundkar had complained that the owners of 128 flats had occupied common areas around the lifts in violation of building regulations. Following the complaint, the BMC assistant commissioner of the G/South ward ordered action against the unauthorised constructions.

Rustomjee Crown has three 63-storey towers, two of which have received occupancy certificates from the BMC.

The flats facing action reportedly include one linked to Maharashtra Cabinet minister Sanjay Rathod and his wife, Sheetal Rathod. A flat belonging to former minister Deepak Kesarkar is also on the list. The flat is reportedly rented out for Rs 4.20 lakh per month. A flat linked to Samadhan Sarvankar, son of MLA Sada Sarvankar, is also among those facing action.

The BMC is also examining other flats reportedly linked to senior government officials and prominent businessmen. The civic body is continuing its demolition drive against constructions found to be unauthorised.