MUMBAI: In a significant move against unauthorized construction and violations of urban planning regulations, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has filed a complaint with Bhandup police against Sudhanshu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and its representatives, including Abhayjit Dubey, for alleged illegal structural alterations and unauthorized occupancy of Aniraj Tower in Bhandup (West), Mumbai.
According to Laxmikant Manekar, Assistant Engineer at the SRA, the developer improperly constructed a hall instead of a permitted shop on the 8th floor without the necessary approvals under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. This construction violates the approved building plan. Moreover, the developer is accused of leasing multiple commercial units from the 1st to 8th floors without obtaining the required occupation and fire safety approvals, contravening statutory regulations. The complaint arises from the redevelopment of Aniraj Tower, which was demolished six years ago for this purpose.
Despite several notices issued—initially on January 22, 2025, followed by actions under Section 53(1) on March 18, and then under Sections 53(6) and 53(7) of the MRTP Act on May 23—the developer reportedly did not comply or provide adequate clarification. Instead, the developer allegedly misled authorities by submitting photographs of a sealed hall while it continued to be used illegally.
According to the FIR, the unauthorized area was sealed on June 6, but the developer later broke the seal to gain access, constructing a new entry that was sealed again on June 10. A Panchnama was documented for both incidents. Furthermore, it was noted that 27 shopkeepers on the 1st and 2nd floors were given possession even before the Occupation Certificate (OC) was received, which is another serious infraction.
The police have registered offenses under Section 53(7) of the MRTP Act and are investigating to determine the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Authorities are also contemplating additional criminal charges for breach of public trust and safety violations.
In retaliation to complaints from several society members to relevant authorities, including the SRA, Abhayjeet Dubey and his associate Vinod Maurya allegedly assaulted complainant Tarun Jani, resulting in multiple injuries. An FIR has been filed against Dubey and Maurya at the Bhandup police station.
