100 encroachment notices were issued after Vira’s complaints

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued encroachment notices to 100-odd structures in Kalina, acting on the complaints filed by RTI activist

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued encroachment notices to 100-odd structures in Kalina, acting on the complaints filed by RTI activist Bhupendra Vira since June. While four structures were demolished a month ago, no action has been taken against the remaining structures.

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Vira, who was shot dead on Saturday, had filed hundreds of RTI applications against the illegal structures built on 16 acres – comprising Razzak chawl no. 1, 2, 3 and 4, Peterwadi and Chandu studio compound in Kalina – by former corporator Razzak Khan. Vira’s family alleged the land did not belong to Khan, who has been arrested in connection with the case, but was illegally encroached upon by him. They claimed the BMC did not act on the complaints, despite orders from the Lokayukta five months ago.

Vira’s son Mayur said, “In June, the Lokayukta had directed the civic body to act on the encroachment within 60 days. Khan claims he owns the land, but his name is not mentioned in the 7/12 extract and land revenue tax receipts. My father has been following up with the BMC for the past five years. We had approached the state information commissioner, Ratnakar Gaikwad, as the BMC officials were not responding to our queries. A few officials from the H-East ward were fined for it. ”

According to the civic body’s records, 40 show-cause notices were issued and demolition orders were passed. Last week, the BMC’s H-east ward officials passed the pending demolition orders against four more illegal structures. Sources said lack of police protection, monsoon, festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Eid are to blame for the delay.

A civic official said, “We have issued demolition orders against the 100 industrial units being run in Chandu Studio compound in Kalina. Khan’s office was one of the demolished structures. The Lokayukta had directed us to take action according to the procedure. We have done that.” The BMC is looking for the old RTIs filed by Vira to help police investigation, said sources.