The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun demolition action against alleged unauthorised constructions at Rustomjee Crown, a luxury residential complex in Mumbai. The action has attracted attention as flats linked to several Maharashtra politicians, bureaucrats and prominent businesspersons are reportedly among those under scrutiny.
According to NDTV India, the BMC’s action covers 128 flats at the residential project located in the Crown Mill Compound.
The case centres on alleged encroachment of common and open spaces around the lifts. A complaint alleged that some flat owners had incorporated these shared areas into their apartments, resulting in unauthorised construction.
The allegedly encroached space is estimated to have a market value of more than Rs 250 crore. Property prices in the affected portion are reportedly above Rs 1 lakh per square foot.
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The matter came to the BMC’s attention after RTI activist Santosh Daundkar filed a complaint. He alleged that owners of 128 flats had occupied common areas around the lifts in violation of the rules.
Following the complaint, the assistant commissioner of the BMC’s G-South ward took cognisance of the matter and ordered action against the alleged unauthorised structures.
Rustomjee Group company spokesperson said, “The construction was undertaken in accordance with the plans sanctioned and approved by the competent authorities as per 1991 DCR. It complies with all the necessary norms and regulations and has received Occupation Certificate about 2 years ago. There are no violations on part of the developer. We have been fully cooperating with the authorities and have provided all necessary details and information sought by them. We have also been engaging with the members of the building and encouraging them to undertake the necessary corrective measures, wherever required.”
Rustomjee Crown has three high-rise towers, each standing 63 floors tall. Two of the buildings have received Occupancy Certificates from the BMC. The action reportedly includes flats associated with Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod and his wife Sheetal Rathod.
Former Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar’s flat is also reportedly covered. Kesarkar is said to occupy the apartment on a monthly rent of Rs 4.20 lakh. The flat of Samadhan Sarvankar, son of MLA Sada Sarvankar, has also reportedly been included in the action.
Besides politicians, flats linked to senior bureaucrats and prominent businesspersons are also reportedly under scrutiny. The BMC’s action has therefore brought one of Mumbai’s high-profile luxury residential projects into the spotlight over allegations of unauthorised construction.
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