Mumbai: 29 Months On, No Criminal Case Against 12 BMC Officials In Madh Illegal Studio Scam

Despite an inquiry initiated over 29 months ago, no criminal case has been registered against 12 BMC officials found guilty of approving illegal studio constructions in Madh, Malad. The matter, which dates back to September 6, 2022, was flagged by an RTI inquiry raised by activist Sagar Ugale, in December 2024, revealing a lack of action despite an internal probe confirming the involvement of BMC officials.

In 2022, the civic chief had ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal construction in Madh, Marve, Erangal, Bhati, and Malad, following multiple complaints about violations in No Development Zones (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ). It was alleged that 49 studios had been built in 2021-22, allegedly using fraudulent documents and in collusion with the officials from BMC and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).

Despite these findings, activists claimed that neither an FIR nor a criminal case has been lodged against the accused officials. The RTI response stated that while an investigation is ongoing, it has not yet been completed, making it impossible to disclose details.

The then civic chief in 2022 had appointed deputy municipal commissioner Harshad Kale as the inquiry officer. He was instructed to submit a report within four weeks, specifying the involvement of BMC officials and recommending necessary action.

Whistle-blowers and activists claim that the delays point to a cover-up. In his letter to the BMC chief, Ugale has sought a response to the inquiry, failing which he said he will file a PIL before the Bombay HC