Following the revelation of a counterfeit seal and forged documents scam, the VVMC swiftly responded by initiating legal action against previously served notices to illegal buildings. Fresh FIRs were lodged against unlawfully constructed properties, including Vinayak Apartment, Omkar Apartment, and Anandi Villa. The VVMC is pursuing comprehensive investigations into the confiscated records of 55 illicit residential structures linked to accused developers. With a concerning 90 percent of Virar (E) buildings being illegal, anxiety prevails among residents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Amidst this, activists reveal a pattern of unauthorized construction tactics, highlighting the need for robust regulatory measures.
Responding with swift determination following the revelation of a duplicitous scheme involving counterfeit seals and fabricated documents on Monday, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has initiated immediate measures. Notices are being dispatched, and legal complaints are being lodged against previously warned illegal edifices. Three fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) were officially registered against Vinayak Apartment, Omkar Apartment, and Anandi Villa in Chandansar, structures illicitly raised in Virar (E). The civic administration's complaint prompted this action, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Mohan Mhatre, the progenitor of Vinayak Apartment, and Chandrakant Patil, the developer of Omkar Apartment, were both served show-cause notices on April 20 last year. Similarly, Rambhau Patil, accountable for the ground-plus five-storey Anandi Villa, was duly served an illegal construction notice on December 26, 2018. The VVMC's complaint underlines that these notices remained unanswered, precipitating the escalated response. Concurrently, the VVMC is meticulously cataloguing intricate details from the repository of 55 files pertaining to illegal residential structures. These documents were seized from five apprehended suspects, among whom are Dilip Benvanshi and Prashant Patil of Rudransh Developers. These individuals are suspected of orchestrating deceitful practices against homebuyers since 2015.
Interestingly, Virar police apprehended 115 spurious seals representing various government entities from these suspects. The prevailing apprehension among residents is palpable, primarily due to the staggering fact that over 90 percent of Virar (E)'s architectural landscape lacks legal sanction. These seemingly spontaneous constructions, with essential utilities and property tax obligations, have become a source of intense concern. Notably, a significant number of these unauthorized constructions, though occupied by residents, have managed to evade official demolition proceedings. VVCMC Chief Anilkumar Pawar's intention to raze 55 unauthorized constructions has left property investors in these edifices feeling abandoned and uncertain about their investments. Property owners have implored the VVCMC and the police to step in and facilitate the recovery of their apartments.
Eminent activists underscore the strategy behind these unsanctioned constructions, which involves expeditious occupation to deter potential demolition efforts. While instances of commercial structures facing demolition occasionally emerge, their resurgence remains a recurring pattern. Even establishments previously found to be in violation of regulatory norms, such as coastal resorts, experienced demolition at the hands of the revenue department. However, they have astoundingly managed to remerge and resume operations, underscoring the complex and persistent nature of the challenge.
Amid determined administrative efforts and community concerns, the Vasai-Virar region grapples with the intricate challenges of unauthorized construction. In the face of challenges, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation remains committed to upholding legality and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
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