Mumbai Police Investigate Major Land Scam Involving BMC Property
The property cell of the city crime branch is investigating a land scam in Kandivli, where developers and heirs forged documents to reclaim and sell 2.5 acres of BMC land.
Land ScamMumbaiBmc PropertyForged DocumentsKandivliReal Estate MumbaiAug 31, 2025
The case was initially filed at the Borivli police station by BMC engineer Sunil Shete on August 4, 2025. Subsequently, the property cell of the city crime branch took over the investigation. Police have booked the original landowner, along with the developer who constructed 18 residential buildings on the unreserved portion of the land. It is alleged that the accused fraudulently sold the acquired BMC land to third parties through a power of attorney.
The FIR names Rinkesh Vadilal Shah, his wife Bhavna Shah, son Rinkesh Shah, Jagdish Bhat, Suresh Bhat, Girish Bhat, Vatsala Joshi, Malini Dave, and others for preparing forged documents of the BMC-owned land. They allegedly entered into sale transactions, thereby cheating the BMC for financial gain.
According to the FIR, the disputed land, measuring 29,696.34 sq. m. (over seven acres) in Kandivli, originally belonged to Nanubhai Bhat. The plot was partly reserved in the 1967 Development Plan for civic amenities such as a municipal school, playground, maternity home, nursing home, old age home, higher education institute, and a park.
In 1973, Bhat and his children formed Indian Plubango Company. On March 23, 1978, Bhat informed the BMC that the reserved portion of the land would be surrendered in exchange for higher FSI benefits. A registered deed was executed, and on May 15, 1978, his company formally transferred the reserved land to the BMC.
The corporation issued a possession receipt, and the developer received an additional 50% FSI on the reserved plots and 100% FSI on the DP Road. Based on these benefits, the developer constructed 18 residential buildings on the unreserved portion of the land. The BMC subsequently developed civic facilities on the surrendered land, including a road, a clinic, a gymnasium, and a pay-and-park facility, which remain in public use.
Despite the transfer, in 2002, Bhat's heirs—Jagdish Nanubhai Bhat, Suresh Bhat, Girish Bhat, Vatsala Joshi, and Malini Dave—allegedly re-entered their names on property records at the Municipal Survey Office, Borivli, by falsely claiming inheritance rights. This was done despite their knowledge that the land was already surrendered to the BMC.
The BMC further found that on February 19, 2004, the heirs executed a fake power of attorney in favor of Vadilal Shah and Vijay Seth, thereby granting them authority over the land. Using this document, Vadilal Shah later executed another power of attorney in favor of his wife Bhavana Vadilal Shah in October 2024. Bhavana, in turn, along with her son Rinkesh Vadilal Shah, allegedly carried out sale and purchase transactions between December 2024 and January 2025, despite the land being under BMC's possession and used for public amenities.
Since 1990, the BMC has been following up with the Survey Office to update its name in property records, but the heirs' fraudulent claims delayed the process, said police. Hearings were held in 2024, where the heirs failed to appear, prompting the BMC to appeal before the District Superintendent of Land Records, Mumbai Suburban, where the matter is currently pending. Meanwhile, plaques have been installed on the site identifying the land as BMC-owned to prevent further misuse.
Officials stated that the accused knowingly conspired to usurp civic-owned land despite being fully aware that the BMC had developed facilities for citizens on it. Police have booked the accused under charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The Crime Branch is now conducting further investigations into the scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue in the land scam in Kandivli?
The main issue is that heirs of a developer and a builder forged documents to reclaim and sell 2.5 acres of land already surrendered to the BMC in exchange for additional Floor Space Index (FSI).
Who filed the case with the Borivli police station?
BMC engineer Sunil Shete filed the case with the Borivli police station on August 4, 2025.
What benefits did the developer receive after surrendering the land to the BMC?
The developer received an additional 50% FSI on the reserved plots and 100% FSI on the DP Road, which allowed them to construct 18 residential buildings on the unreserved portion of the land.
What did the BMC develop on the surrendered land?
The BMC developed civic facilities such as a road, a clinic, a gymnasium, and a pay-and-park facility on the surrendered land.
What charges have the accused been booked under?
The accused have been booked under charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
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