BMC asks Narayan Rane to remove ‘illegal’ construction at his residence Adhish Bungalow within 15 days

The BMC had in the notice dated March 04, 2022 had pointed out several changes of use in the basement of the bungalow and on all floors of the bungalow except the seventh floor

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked union minister Narayan Rane to remove alleged unauthorised construction at his residence Adhish Bungalow, in Juhu within 15 days. As per the notice, if the ‘illegal’ construction was not removed within the stipulated time, the civic body will raze it and charges incurred on the demolition will be recovered from him by the BMC’s assessment department.

Union minister Narayan Rane's bungalow in Juhu. (Vijay Bate/HT Photo)

The order issued by the BMC in the name of Neelam Narayan Rane, wife of the minister and son Nilesh Narayan Rane stated, “It can be seen that you have no explanation for the illegalities mentioned in the notice and you have failed to show any authorisation/ permission/ sanctioned plans in support of the said illegalities. Further, there is no sufficient documentary evidence submitted by you to prove the notice works are authorised. In view of the above, I have come to the conclusion that as mentioned in the notice, the construction carried out by you is totally illegal, unauthorised and liable for demolition.”

The order further added, “You are hereby, directed to remove the said unauthorised works as mentioned in the above referred notice within 15 days from the date hereof failing which, the unauthorised works mentioned in the notice will be demolished departmentally at your risk and cost and the charges of the demolition will be recovered from you through assessment department. You shall further note that, if you fail to comply you will be liable to prosecution under section 475 A of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC), Act.”

The BMC had in the notice dated March 04, 2022 had pointed out several changes of use in the basement of the bungalow and on all floors of the bungalow except the seventh floor.

A team of nine personnel from the K-west ward of BMC on February 21, 2022 visited Adhish bungalow in Juhu to inspect the premises. According to information, the team took measurements inside the bungalow to verify illegalities and also took photographs.

Right To Information (RTI) activist Santosh Daundkar who has been filing complaints against the bungalow for five years now said, “I am going to challenge this order of the BMC through my legal team as the BMC has wrongfully given them 15 days. There are chances that the opposite party will move for legality by submitting an application.”

Meanwhile, Narayan Rane or his son Nilesh Rane under whose name the order was issued could not be contacted for their comments on Monday. Earlier, the union minister’s younger son and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane had told the media: “We will cooperate with the BMC.”