Despite SIT probe and court orders, illegal bungalow construction continues on Mumbai’s coast — with banners flaunting ‘political links’ to deter action
The illegal construction site at Vyas Wadi, Madh Island, in Malad West. PICS/Samiullah Khan
Even as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Mumbai Crime Branch continue probing a massive Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) land scam on Madh Island, where land records were allegedly forged to facilitate the construction of several luxury bungalows, the illegal construction spree shows no signs of slowing down. After SIT began its investigation into the matter under the Bombay High Court’s supervision, notices were issued to more than 50 bungalows. More than 20 were demolished, while the fate of the rest will be decided in court.
The SIT has arrested over a dozen individuals so far, including civic officials, contractors, brokers, and collection agents. Despite this, illegal construction was allegedly taking place in Vyas Wadi, Madh Island, before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a “stop-work” notice to the site of an under-construction bungalow under Section 354-A of the BMC Act on October 14.
The notice issued by the BMC to the owner or occupier concerned
According to sources, the construction site is located near a church, a few metres away from the main road. The plot was completely barricaded with iron sheets to conceal ongoing work. It has been alleged that to deter complaints or intervention by activists, the police and BMC, the contractor has put up banners mentioning the name of Santosh Vishnu Chauhan, district president of the Mumbai-based organisation Dhadak Kamgar va Bandhkam Union, featuring a photo of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alongside the union’s founder Abhijeet Rane.
A local alleged that when people spoke about complaining to the BMC regarding the illegal construction of the bungalow, they were threatened by individuals invoking the names of the chief minister and Rane. Even when BMC officials visited the site for inspection, they were met with the same intimidation tactics.
Union leader reacts
When this reporter reached out to Rane, he seemed shocked and stated that he had absolutely no knowledge of the matter. “If someone has used banners for any illegal activity, the organisation will take action against them, and they will also be expelled from the union. I do not support any illegal work,” he stated. Rane added, “Hundreds of workers from our union are employed at major construction sites across the city, and our posters are often displayed there — but never for any illegal purposes.”
He further explained that the banners were put up through the courtesy of a Madh resident named Santosh Vishnu Chauhan and that it was installed by a member of the Mathadi Kamgar Union residing in the same area. “I have already ordered the immediate removal of the banners,” Rane said, adding that the act had damaged the reputation of the union. “The union will take strict action against those responsible, including expulsion.”
He reiterated, “If any member of my union is found involved in any illegal activity, strict disciplinary action will be taken. I have no connection with or support for any illegal act.” Chauhan said that Kundan Desai, a member of the Mathadi Kamgar Union, had sought permission to put up banners so that more members could join the organisation, but added that he was unaware if Desai had put up the banners on the construction site.
He stated that Desai had told him he was going to repair a friend’s house and that he had all the required documents. He added that not know whether Desai had obtained permission from the BMC to carry out the repairs.
BMC action
According to sources, the P North ward of the civic body issued a stop-work notice under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, to an “unauthorised construction site” on Madh Jetty Road, Malad West. An official said, “On October 13, a designated officer visited the site and found that the construction of a reinforced concrete ground-floor structure measuring 7.62 m x 9.75 m x 3.00 m had commenced on open land without prior permission from the competent authority, violating Sections 337, 342, and 347 of the MMC Act.”
The notice directs the owner or occupier concerned to immediately halt the construction and produce valid permissions within 24 hours from the receipt of the order. Failure to comply will result in the demolition or removal of the unauthorised structure along with associated machinery, materials, and equipment at the owner’s risk and cost, without any further notice, it states. The BMC has also instructed the police to ensure enforcement of the notice, including the removal of any persons engaged in continuing construction activities at the site.
The SIT
The Bombay High Court, which had earlier formed an SIT after receiving complaints of land record tampering and unauthorised construction, has already expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of investigation and directed full cooperation from BMC and police officials.
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