BMC Complaint Alleges BJP Leader Haji Arafat Shaikh Encroached Kurla Building Terrace

A complaint has been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation against Mumbai BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh, alleging the illegal encroachment and unauthorised use of a building terrace in Kurla.

According to the formal complaint sent to the assistant municipal commissioner of the BMC's L ward, dated August 18, the alleged violation involves the terrace of Rainbow Apartment, a seven-storey building located opposite SBI Bank near the Kurla Court. The complaint states that the terrace space has been grabbed and utilised in complete contravention of civic norms and municipal building regulations.

The complainant, identified as Malang Mubarak Shaikh, a resident of Dehu Road in Pune, stated that the terrace is designated for the common use of the building's residents. The complaint alleges that this shared residential area has been unauthorisedly occupied and continues to be misused.

In the letter, the complainant urged civic authorities to initiate an immediate spot inspection of Rainbow Apartment to verify the structure against the building's original approved plans. The complaint requests that the BMC determine the extent of any unauthorised construction or encroachment and initiate appropriate legal proceedings under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

The development comes during a period when the civic body has been actively carrying out inspection and demolition drives targeting illegal constructions and unauthorised structural modifications across various parts of Mumbai.

The allegations have prompted discussion among local residents and on social media platforms, where calls have been made for a transparent administrative inquiry into the matter.

As of August 28, Haji Arafat Shaikh had not issued an official public statement regarding the encroachment allegations. Civic officials from the BMC's L ward could not be reached for comment on the status of the complaint.