Mumbai: BJP leader Mohit Kamboj, others get BMC notice over illegal changes in building

Khushi Pride Belmondo, a 14-storey building, houses seven families including the Kambojs. File pic

Khushi Pride Belmondo building in Santacruz West, which houses BJP leader Mohit Kamboj and six other families, was served three separate show-cause notices by the civic body over alleged irregularities. The notices have given seven days' time to the respondents to provide sufficient cause for the changes in the basement, first floor and in the 9th floor to the terrace.

The move comes after the designated officer of the H West ward office sent a notice for alleged illegalities in the 14-storey building under section 488 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 on March 21 and inspected the premises on March 23 for four hours.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, in the notices issued on April 4, have mentioned the changes made without prior permission and sought a reply as to why the works should not be removed, altered, pulled down or restored as per the original plan.

One of the notices pertains to 9th floor and above, which is occupied by Kamboj. It states that there is a vertical amalgamation of these floors into one flat as well as merger of rooms and lobby. Toilets are merged with kitchen, internal staircase and duct adjacent to bedrooms are merged with bedrooms, as per the notice. There is also construction of a toilet and shed on the terrace.

Kamboj called the action politically motivated and said, "Received notices for my home from BMC. I will submit the reply and will fight legally."

In the basement, an office has been constructed in the parking area. Similarly rooms for security guards and drivers have been built next to the generator room and a part of the parking area has been enclosed with glass and is being used as a common seating and dining area, the notice read.

The other notice mentioned that two flats and the lobby area on the first floor have been merged. Other illegalities include covering up the lobby to turn it into a habitable area, changes in the kitchen among others.