Khar Police Book Society Office-Bearers Over ₹4.47-Crore Tax Default

The Khar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the office-bearers of Link Square Premises Co-operative Housing Society for allegedly failing to pay property tax to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The society, located on 33rd Road in Khar West, comprises 198 shops and a restaurant. A complaint was filed by Siraj Qureshi, a member of the society who owns a first-floor shop in the mall.

According to the FIR, the society was registered in 2007 with Abdul Mithiborwala as chairman, Tabassum Shaikh as secretary, and Ashif Shaikh as treasurer. Qureshi alleged that no elections have been held since the society's registration, and the office-bearers have not provided members with audited financial statements or account details.

Despite this, the office-bearers continued to collect charges from members towards maintenance, property tax, electricity bills, and other expenses. A major fire in 2025 caused damage to the mall, but the office-bearers allegedly did not convene a general body meeting or initiate repairs.

Members later discovered that property tax had not been paid to the BMC since 2019, despite collections. The complaint states that ₹2.73 crore collected towards the tax was not deposited, resulting in dues with penalties of ₹4.47 crore.

The members approached the Bombay High Court in 2025, and an administrator has been managing the mall since November 11, 2025. Based on the complaint, the police booked Mithiborwala, Tabassum Shaikh, and Ashif Shaikh last month.

The BMC is responsible for collecting property tax from societies and individuals in Mumbai. The tax is used to fund various civic services and infrastructure projects in the city.

The alleged default by the Link Square Society office-bearers has raised concerns about the management of societies in Mumbai. Many societies in the city are struggling with financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The registration of the FIR against the office-bearers is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of societies. It is expected to send a strong message to other societies in the city to ensure that they are managing their finances properly.

The case highlights the importance of proper financial management and transparency in societies. It also underscores the need for members to be vigilant and ensure that their societies are being managed properly.

In conclusion, the registration of the FIR against the Link Square Society office-bearers is a significant development in the case. It is expected to have far-reaching implications for the management of societies in Mumbai and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in their financial dealings.