SIT investigates BMC officers for tampering coastal records

Mumbai's Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced on Tuesday that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will investigate the roles of several former assistant municipal commissioners (AMC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This comes after allegations of tampering with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and No Development Zone (NDZ) records using forged maps. Bawankule's statement followed comments from BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar, who claimed that the AMC from the P-North Ward was a key conspirator in the scam. Sagar said this individual had previously worked in the police department and even changed his name to aid in his involvement. So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection to the case, which has raised concerns within the assembly. MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar called for swift action regarding those involved and asked when the illegal structures would be removed. Bawankule promised that actions based on the SIT report would be taken within three months. He indicated that two officials from the land records office had already been suspended and arrested. He also noted that construction had occurred on tampered records, and he requested the BMC chief to expedite the demolition of illegal structures. A report by the Maharashtra director of land records revealed that 165 maps and nine original charts had been altered. The investigation identified that 102 maps had been forged. Additionally, it was highlighted that eight original land records from specific areas showed signs of tampering. Among those arrested is contractor Narshim Puttawallu, who has been linked to multiple first information reports. The issue had previously sparked an inquiry committee in the state assembly back in 2022.