Hanuman Chalisa row: Rana’s house locked, BMC returns empty-handed

A BMC team arrives to inspect the Ranas’s residence, in Khar, on Wednesday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

A Civic team on Wednesday morning visited the residence of MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana for inspection to verify alleged illegal construction, but returned empty-handed as the door was locked. The couple is currently in jail over the Hanuman Chalisa row.

The team had gone to take measurements and photographs of their 8th-floor flat, at La-vie in Khar West, after complaints of illegal alteration and construction. "We avoid entering locked homes to avoid legal disputes. Our team will visit again on Thursday. If we find the door closed again, we will decide the further course of action," an official said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday issued a notice, informing of their visit on Wednesday morning. However, there was no one at home so we decided not to enter, said Assistant Municipal commissioner Vinayak Vispute.

"The BMC team will take measurements and photographs of his residence, and later check the approved plan... If there is any illegal alteration or construction, the BMC will send further notice to the owner. The BMC will give the owner a certain time to rectify illegal modifications. If the owner fails to comply, the BMC can take the demolition action and recover the cost of it from the property tax of the owner," said an official.