MUMBAI: A total of 783 buildings in coastal regulation zone (CRZ) areas across 10 civic wards have been served showcause notices, with 44 structures already demolished, according to state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Some cases are currently in court.
A statement presented to the legislative council regarding the forged map scandal, brought to light by citizen Vaibhav Thakur, revealed that the special investigation team (SIT) formed at the request of the Bombay High Court has arrested 23 individuals, with three more still at large.
Of those arrested, 12 are private citizens, two are officers, seven are employees, and two are retired staff from the land records department. The BMC has reviewed 309 CTS maps in 10 civic wards, uncovering 1,093 illegal constructions along the coastline.
The state government has instructed the police to file complaints, leading to four cases being lodged with Goregaon and Kherwadi police stations. Thakur had previously filed a criminal writ petition in the Bombay High Court last year. Bawankule noted that the court is receiving regular updates on the investigation.
