Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji has landed herself in legal trouble over the allegations of illegal construction work taking place in her Juhu bungalow. According to reports, the BMC officials, who turned up at her bungalow KrishnaRam last week for inspection were turned away.
So the officials will once again visit the site for inspection on August 30, however, with police in tow this time. Talking about the same, an official said, "The K-west ward office got complaints from activists regarding alleged construction work being carried out illegally, in violation of the approved plans that were submitted to BMC's Building Proposal Department. On receiving the complaint, we issued a notice to the owner and paid a visit but were not allowed to inspect the premises."
According to BMC records, Rani was granted a commencement certificate (CC) to make additions and alterations to KrishnaRam bungalow in 2014, with validity until November 2015. However, activists allege that even though the CC expired, work continues at the premises.
Nikitesh Chaubal, chairman of Aamhi Jagrut Mumbaikar, who had complained to BMC about the issue said, "The bungalow also falls in the Coastal Regulation Zone, but a no-objection certificate from the coastal authorities was not submitted to the BMC." Ganesh Kusumulu, an activist, said, "This area is a proposed heritage precinct, and in spite of that, gross violations are taking place."
However, when reached out to Rani Mukerji's spokesperson for a comment, they said, "At the outset, I wish to state Ms Mukerji is an upstanding citizen of the country and the allegations of illegal construction occurring at her bungalow are completely baseless. Yes, the commencement certificate was taken first in 2014, it has been revalidated every year, and BMC can confirm the same. The height of the bungalow is as per the approved plans submitted to the building department while obtaining the commencement certificate. Lastly, the notice under section 488 received from K-west ward on July 3 was replied to on July 4. I trust this puts any ambiguity regarding the construction of the property to rest. The BMC has been extremely professional in all matters."
CREDITS: MID-DAY