Mumbai: The BMC on Tuesday served a show-cause notice to MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana after inspecting their flat in Khar. The notice has been sent under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act 1888, which says that Ranas should submit in writing within seven days as to why the unauthorised work should not be pulled down and the use of premises restored.
After failing to inspect the flat twice last week since it was locked, the BMC team visited the flat on Monday. In this inspection, the civic body noticed unauthorised construction on the eighth floor of Lavie building where the couple resides. Immediately on Tuesday, the notice was served by the designated officer of H-West ward of the BMC that says Ranas have changed the approved use of the premises.
It also stated that the reply should be submitted within seven days of the receipt of the notice. But if they failed to give sufficient cause then the use of the premises will be pulled down / restored at their risk and cost. Further, it says they will be prosecuted under section 475 A of the MMC Act which is punishable with imprisonment and fine.
The previous notices which were served for inspection to be carried out were only addressed as owner/occupier of the eighth floor flat in Lavie building. But the notice sent on Tuesday was served in the name of Ravi Rana and Navneet Rana.
The changes are beside the lift area, which is being merged with the flat and is converted into a toilet, pooja room being merged with kitchen and converted into a living room, lobby area being merged into the habitable area, the sloping roof being flattened and merged with the adjoining bedroom, living room being subdivided into kitchen and bedroom, balcony enclosed with adjoining bedroom and kitchen and two bedrooms on the west side being merged.
