MMB Orders Audit Of Bandra Bandstand Resident Trust Over Pharma Company Tie-Up
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has launched an investigation and ordered a five-year financial audit of the Bandra Bandstand Resident Trust (BBRT) over allegations of illegally sub-letting the maintenance and branding of the Bandra Bandstand promenade in Mumbai to a private pharmaceutical company, USV Pvt Ltd.
According to maritime authorities, BBRT misused its powers by bringing a third-party corporate player into the administration of the public land without obtaining prior permission. The MMB clarified that the Bandstand property belongs to the maritime board, and a proposed 2022 contract renewal with BBRT was never finalized. Currently, no active maintenance agreement exists between the state and the trust, whose claims rest on a conditional No Objection Certificate issued in 2002.
The dispute escalated after regional ports officer Captain C J Lepande sent an internal correspondence dated July 7 to MMB's deputy collector. Lepande stated that BBRT had zero authorization to involve USV Pvt Ltd in the maintenance or management of the Bandstand garden. He noted that there is no agreement, memorandum of understanding, or written permission between MMB, BBRT, and the pharmaceutical company.
Following these findings, the Port Inspector of Bandra Port directed BBRT's chairman on July 3 to hand over the trust's financial records. The MMB has demanded the immediate submission of BBRT's full bank statements and official audit reports for the last five consecutive years. The trust must also disclose all Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, corporate donations, and sponsorships received from USV Pvt Ltd or any other corporate backer.
Earlier in June, MMB's deputy collector had ordered the removal of a "Bandstand Garden" board, which claimed the area was maintained by USV Pvt Ltd in association with BBRT. When the trust failed to remove the sign, maritime authorities covered up the names of both BBRT and the pharmaceutical company.
The investigation follows public backlash in March, when unauthorized boards citing fabricated civic bylaws appeared on the promenade, threatening citizens with fines for walking dogs or feeding strays.
