MUMBAI: Shakir Shah and his wife, Fatema Shah, have been caught in a state of uncertainty for over a decade. Redevelopment of their Mhada building in Mazgaon began in 2014, and while the project was completed over a year ago, the family has yet to receive transit rent. Moreover, they have not been given possession of the four flats valued around Rs 7 crore that were allocated to them. Allegedly, the developer, who took over after two prior companies exited the project, sold the flats to third parties. Based on Mhada’s complaint, the Byculla police have filed an FIR against the developer.
“Despite owning four flats, I have no home of my own. My family is currently living in a rented flat, and instead of the developer, we are the ones paying rent. Our children keep asking us when we will finally get our flats,” Fatema expressed.
Mhada’s records indicate that redevelopment work for Motiwala Building and Jani Building commenced in 2014 when AH Construction entered agreements with tenants. Due to objections from certain tenants, AH Construction exited, passing the project to Gazdar Developers. In 2019, Shaad Realty took over, and composite NOCs for group redevelopment were issued, with extensions provided in 2021.
As per the agreement, the developer was obligated to pay transit rent and ensure permanent relocation of the original tenants in the newly built Shaad Residency. The Shah family was promised four flats. However, by July 2024, the Shahs reported that Shaad Realty had failed to pay the rents or provide them with their allotted flats. Instead, it allegedly sold or leased these flats to outsiders without Mhada’s or the lawful tenants’ consent.
A joint hearing with the chief officer of the Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board confirmed these infractions. On April 26 this year, the chief officer commanded Shaad Realty to finalize permanent rehabilitation agreements, fulfill all outstanding transit rent payments, and hand over the four flats by May 9. The order warned that non-compliance would breach Mhada’s authority, but the developer ignored it. The disputed flats remain unavailable, and many Jani Building tenants still live in poor conditions.
Following ongoing complaints from the Shahs, Mhada instructed its deputy engineer, Prahlad Walhuba Dhagude, to file a police report. On May 16, Byculla police lodged an FIR against Shaad Realty and its director, Shadab Islam Qureshi, for allegations of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. Police state that Qureshi has obtained anticipatory bail. “We’re awaiting reports from various agencies before proceeding with a chargesheet,” said the investigating officer.
AH Construction and Gazdar Developers have denied any responsibility, asserting that Shaad Realty is solely liable. Qureshi declined to comment, citing that the matter is currently in litigation.
