Mumbai News: FIR Against Real Estate Firm As BMC Flags Illegal Excavation Near Powai Helipad; Builder Denies Illegality

Mumbai: The Powai police on July 10 registered an FIR against Hiranandani Developers under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. The developers allegedly carried out illegal excavation of soil measuring approximately 300 metres in length, 4 to 5 metres in width, and 1 to 2 metres in depth on a road in the hilly area adjacent to the Hiranandani helipad in Powai, without permission from the authority concerned.

Based on a complaint by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the police booked the real estate major under Sections 52 (unauthorised development or use of land) and 43 (restriction on development and land use changes without permission) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. The company spokesperson, however, denied that any illegal activity was carried out.

According to sources, a journalist approached the Ghatkopar police regarding this matter. The Ghatkopar police then informed the BMC office, following which the BMC took action.

According to the FIR, on July 3, 2025, the L Ward (BMC) received a complaint about illegal excavation in the hilly area of Powai (Chandivali). Subsequently, two junior engineers from the BMC visited the spot the same day between 1.15 pm and 1.30 pm. They found that near the helipad, soil had been excavated illegally over approximately 300 metres in length, 4 to 5 metres in width, and 1 to 2 metres in depth, without the required permission.

At the site, the engineers encountered a man who identified himself as Santosh More, 45, a security officer with Hiranandani Developers. The engineers submitted their report to their seniors along with photographs. Subsequently, on July 7, the BMC issued a notice to Hiranandani Developers under Section 354A (to stop construction or work commenced or carried on unlawfully) BMC Act.

As per the law, the developer should have applied for permission for excavation within 24 hours, but failed to do so. Consequently, the BMC filed a complaint against Hiranandani Developers. On behalf of the BMC, Sanjay Dudhbhate, 39, who resides in Andheri East and is an Assistant Engineer with the BMC’s L Ward, filed the complaint, following which the police registered the case.