25 June,2026 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
Akhil Kapadia stands outside Victoria Building in Byculla, with ‘The Vigour Sphere’ seen to his right. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
[popcorn number="APRI 29 " desc=" Day Akhil Kapadia's car windows were smashed " class="Negative"]
A dispute between a city-based architect and a commercial gymnasium operator in South Mumbai's Byculla area has escalated into a legal battle, following allegations of structural damage, noise pollution, and intentional property vandalism.
According to a complaint signed by multiple building occupants of the century-old Victoria Building near Byculla Zoo, the fitness center - âThe Vigour Sphere' - was allegedly constructed by altering vital walls, which residents claim poses a risk to the structure's stability. Akhil Kapadia and his wife, Dr Aneesa Kapadia, who reside on the first floor, alleged that the facility has completely disrupted peace in the residential premises.
Meanwhile, the gym management has placed a public poster outside its main glass entrance criticising a "self-appointed social worker" for monitoring their patron parking arrangements.
Residents have claimed that heavy weights dropped daily between 6 am and 11 pm result in severe vibrations on all residential floors. They have also alleged that unauthorised footpath parking blocks emergency road access. The situation took a criminal turn on April 29, when Akhil Kapadia discovered that the windows of his two parked vehicles had been smashed. Following an FIR lodged with the local police, two individuals were apprehended, who subsequently named Devesh Salvi, an associate of gym operator Chirag Tilve, as a linked party.
The narrow lane allegedly blocked due to patrons parking their vehicles. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
An inspection by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) into the facility found notable deficits. According to a civic official, the designated officer of E Ward categorised the operation as "unauthorised", noting that the facility lacked the necessary change of user permissions to convert a residential flat into a commercial gym. The BMC ordered a discontinuation of the establishment within seven days. However, the gym management moved the City Civil Court and obtained a temporary stay order to continue daily operations.
Cars two owned by the Kapadia family, seen with smashed windows
Chirag Tilve, owner of âThe Vigour Sphere', strongly denied any wrongdoing or illegal construction, asserting that his business holds all valid operational licenses. "I attended the meeting called by the Victoria Building members, and they asked us to follow the guidelines, such as ensuring music speakers are not loud and that heavy gym equipment sounds or vibrations do not travel upward. We have carried out soundproofing and also placed a mat. We have followed all guidelines and have the required documents in place. We are just getting harassed by Akhil Kapadia. He kept complaining about our gym on his Twitter handle account âKnow Your Bombay'," Tilve said.
Intervening on behalf of the affected occupants, High Court Advocate Prerak Chaudhary filed an intervention application before the court to contest the stay order. Commenting on the ongoing friction and the vehicle vandalism, Chaudhary said, "The message must go out clearly that these tactics like smashing car windows do not frighten us. We have taken necessary steps, and I'm sure that justice will be delivered. The truth will prevail. An FIR has been registered by the police, and the legal procedure too has been set in motion."
Sopan Kakad, senior police inspector, Byculla
âAn FIR has been registered against the accused for breaking the glass of two cars owned by Akhil Kapadia. We have served notice to the accused. An investigation is underway, and the chargesheet will be filed and sent to court.'
