Rule 34 pub, which is operating illegally out of an industrial hub in Charkop, first got a health licence without verification of land documents, paving the way for other types of licences to run the place, as per an investigation carried out by the BMC. The findings came after the civic body launched a probe into how several establishments such as banquet hall, film studio, cricket and football turf, etc. have illegally taken over the 116-acre state-owned land which was originally meant to be an industrial hub under the MIDC.

The Charkop land, which is Mumbai’s oldest and biggest industrial hub, was given to MIDC for industrial purposes around four decades ago. But now, it houses multiple bars, restaurants, a car service centre, a banquet hall, cricket and football turf, film studios among others. Taking advantage of authorities turning a blind eye while issuing licences, these businesses have come up with illegal constructions and secured documents too. mid-day on September 23 reported on these illegal land-grabbers.