Four Individuals Arrested for Manipulating Coastal Property Records in Mumbai
In a major crackdown on real estate fraud, four individuals, including two former government officials, have been arrested for tampering with property records in Mumbai's coastal areas. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing a land scam involving
Land ScamCoastal Regulation ZoneMumbai CoastlineProperty RecordsSpecial Investigation TeamReal Estate MaharashtraJan 07, 2025
This arrest was made last week by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up following the Bombay High Court's order to investigate the land scam.
The probe has revealed that estate agents, state government and civic officials, and contractors were involved in converting plots in Malad, Marve, Versova, and other locations along the Mumbai coastline.
It also came to light that 102 property maps were tampered with, including city survey numbers and altered boundaries.
The SIT has summoned government employees and BMC officials for questioning in connection with the scam.
The case gained traction after a petition was filed by Vaibhav Mohan Thakur, alleging that the police did not properly investigate a complaint he lodged at Goregaon police station in 2021.
The Bombay High Court, in October 2024, termed the allegations serious but criticized the lethargy of the concerned police officers.
The court then directed the formation of the SIT to probe the case.
Thakur's plea alleged that 884 maps were forged and some houses and bungalows were misrepresented as having been constructed prior to 1964.
The majority of the maps relating to the construction at Madh Island were manipulated to gain an exemption under the CRZ and to show that they existed before 1964.
On December 5, 2024, the SIT submitted a status report to the high court, stating that the investigation was underway.
The court directed all revenue authorities, including the BMC and the Coastal Regulation Zone Authority, to cooperate with the probe and provide all necessary information to the SIT.
The high court will hear the plea in February.
Thakur's petition states that government officials, estate agents, and contractors were involved in the alleged scam of altering land records in Marve, Madh Island, Versova, and other ecologically sensitive spots.
Thakur, who owns an ancestral farm in Malad, noticed illegal construction on his land and adjoining lands.
He then approached the police and lodged a case.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is a statutory body responsible for planning and development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
It plays a crucial role in ensuring that development activities comply with legal and environmental regulations.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai.
It is responsible for maintaining public health, sanitation, and infrastructure.
The BMC works closely with other regulatory bodies to enforce land use and development rules.
The Coastal Regulation Zone Authority (CRZ) is a regulatory body that oversees the development and conservation of coastal areas.
It ensures that activities in these zones do not harm the environment and adhere to the Coastal Regulation Zone Act, 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the individuals arrested in the land scam?
Four individuals, including two former Maharashtra government employees, were arrested for tampering with property records to convert plots in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and No Development Zone (NDZ) for construction along Mumbai's coastline.
What was the role of the Special Investigation Team (SIT)?
The SIT was set up following the Bombay High Court's order to investigate the land scam. They are probing the involvement of estate agents, state government and civic officials, and contractors in the manipulation of property records and illegal construction.
What specific areas in Mumbai were targeted in the land scam?
The scam involved the conversion of plots in areas such as Malad, Marve, Versova, and other locations along the Mumbai coastline. The majority of the maps related to construction at Madh Island were also manipulated.
How many property maps were tampered with?
According to the investigation, 102 property maps were tampered with, including city survey numbers and altered boundaries.
What is the next step in the legal process?
The high court will hear the plea in February. All revenue authorities, including the BMC and the Coastal Regulation Zone Authority, have been directed to cooperate with the SIT and provide all necessary information.
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