Not one, but two illegal construction complaints against Kapil Sharma

Comedy Fights! BMC calls Kapil Sharma's bluff, fires fresh salvo at star

Kapil Sharma

After comedian Kapil Sharma created a stir on Twitter yesterday morning when he alleged that BMC was demanding a Rs 5 lakh bribe from him, the civic body did not waste time in firing salvos at him either. BMC officials released two letters from July, when they had issued a notice to Sharma for carrying out illegal construction.

The BMC had sent the notice to Sharma on July 16 and even carried out a demolition on August 4. Confirming the same, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of K-West ward (Andheri), Parag Masurkar said, "We had issued a notice on July 16 after finding illegal activities going on in the bungalow. Since Sharma did not comply with our norms, we had carried demolition of illegal extensions on August 4."

"As far as another complaint is concerned, he was served notice under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act in April for unauthorised work on his 9th floor apartment at Goregaon (West)," a senior BMC official, seeking anonymity, told PTI.

Bribe accusations probed
As for Sharma's corruption allegations, the BMC is also carrying out an investigation. Chief Engineer of Vigilance Department, Manohar Pawar said, "We have taken note of Sharma's complaint. We have asked details of the person who was demanding the bribe from Sharma. After Sharma will provide details, we will inquire into the matter and take action against the culprit."

DCP (Cyber) Sachin Patil said, "BJP MLA Ram Kadam gave a complaint at the cyber police station, requesting probe in the allegations levelled by Sharma on Twitter against unknown BMC officials who asked him for a bribe. Since the matter comes under the purview of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), we are transferring this case to the ACB."

Political slugfest begins
Even as an inquiry is yet to ascertain the truth, politicians across party lines have already picked sides. While the Chief Minister was prompt in responding to Sharma's tweet and has ordered an inquiry, the opposition is calling the BMC a corrupt organisation and blaming Sena-BJP for it. Meanwhile, the ruling Sena-BJP alliance in the civic body is releasing letters and other documents on Sharma.

Congress leader Nitesh Rane wore a mask of Sharma's face and uploaded a video in which he said that problems faced by this person are being heard by the government, so he is wearing the mask and speaking out about his troubles. He also tweeted, "What's the use of reacting to 1 Kapil Sharma. There are many Kapil Sharmas in Mumbai who face the same trouble with the BMC every day, Act on them too or its just another show of Comedy Nights with Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray."

BMC leaders pitch in
Even leaders in the BMC didn't let go of the opportunity. Rais Shaikh, Group Leader Samajwadi Party said, "Shame that people have to go through this. BMC should contact Sharma and take details for action."

Then, Sanjay Nirupam, Mumbai Congress chief, said, "Shiv Sena-BJP ruled BMC is the most corrupt municipality in the world. Nothing works here without a bribe." After the allegations of illegal extensions came up, Nirupam sided with Sharma further and said, "Why only Kapil Sharma's house, illegal constructions exist in CM's official bungalow and BMC headquarters too. The Maharashtra BJP office is illegal."

Inputs by Laxman Singh and Vijay Kumar Yadav and PTI