Powai Police File FIR Against Cops, BMC Officials, & Builder Niranjan Hiranandani's Staff For Illegal Demolition Of 650 Homes In Jai Bhim Nagar

Mumbai: Following the Bombay High Court’s (HC) directives, the Powai police on Monday registered another FIR against the cops, BMC officials and staff of builder Niranjan Hiranandani for “illegally demolishing” around 650 homes in Powai's Jai Bhim Nagar demolition.

About The Case

The second FIR comes after Meenabai Limbole, 37, who has been hit by the action, moved the HC, alleging that the police did not include her complaint in the first FIR. Limbole alleged that Hiranandani Builders, their officials, the BMC officers and police personnel conspired for more than a year to illegally demolish their homes.

In her complaint, Limbole accused them of damaging personal belongings and rendering them homeless. She further claimed that Inspector Sonawane and other officers from the Powai police assaulted them during the June 6, 2024, demolition drive. One of the displaced residents later approached the HC, which directed the formation of a special investigation team (SIT), led by the joint and assistant commissioners of police (crime). The SIT submitted a report confirming that the demolition was “unlawful”.

In October 2024, the HC ordered the Powai police to register an FIR against those responsible for the demolition, as per the report. However, when the police filed an FIR without considering Limbole’s complaint, she again filed another petition demanding to register a case on the basis of her Statement.

On February 7, 2025, the court directed the police to record her statement and register an FIR accordingly. A case has been filed against Sanjay Pandey and Arjun, the employees of Hiranandani builders, and BMC officials and staff, including Kasgikar, Pankaj, Amish Bangde, Biradar, Ashatai Chaure and Shilbodhi Bhanteji. Inspector Sonawane and other officers have been named too.