Mumbai BJP Leader Haji Arafat Shaikh Faces Complaint Over Alleged Terrace Encroachment

Mumbai BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh is facing a complaint filed with the Kurla ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over alleged terrace encroachment in Kurla.

The complaint, submitted on August 18, alleges that Shaikh encroached upon and illegally used the terrace of Rainbow Apartment, located opposite SBI Bank near Kurla Court on LBS Road. The complainant, Malang Mubarak Shaikh, claims that the terrace was being used in violation of BMC norms and building regulations.

According to the complaint, the terrace, intended for common use by residents, had been occupied without authorisation. The complainant has urged the BMC to conduct a site inspection, verify the building's sanctioned plan, and determine whether the terrace has been encroached upon or subjected to unauthorised construction.

Shaikh has denied the allegations, stating that the alleged construction consisted only of an improvised canopy intended to prevent water leakage to the floor below. He claimed that the seven-storey building, which has 14 flats, was in poor condition, with peeling plaster and leaking surfaces.

The complaint comes amid the BMC's ongoing drives against illegal constructions and unauthorised alterations across the city. A senior L ward official said that the designated officer will examine the complaint and, if the construction is found to be illegal, appropriate action, including demolition, will be taken in accordance with due process of law.

Shaikh alleged that the complaint was motivated by personal enmity and that some local meat and animal traders were targeting him after he distributed goats free of cost to farmers who had lost crops due to natural calamities. He claimed that his efforts to support enforcement of the ban on cow slaughter and promote harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities had triggered a smear campaign against him.

The complaint has prompted discussion on local social media platforms. Shaikh said he had not received any communication from the BMC.

The BMC's action on the complaint will be crucial in determining the fate of the alleged encroachment. If found guilty, Shaikh may face penalties, including demolition of the alleged construction.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal constructions and encroachments in Mumbai, which has been a major concern for the BMC. The corporation has been conducting drives against such constructions, and this complaint is a testament to the ongoing efforts to tackle the issue.

In recent years, the BMC has taken several steps to curb illegal constructions and encroachments, including conducting regular inspections and taking action against offenders. The corporation has also implemented measures to prevent such constructions, including increasing surveillance and penalties for offenders.

The outcome of the complaint will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases of alleged encroachment in the city. The BMC's decision will be crucial in determining the fate of the alleged construction and may have implications for the city's efforts to tackle the issue of illegal constructions and encroachments.

The incident also raises questions about the role of politicians in such cases. Shaikh's denial of the allegations and his claims of personal enmity and smear campaigns highlight the complexities of the issue. The BMC's investigation and decision will be crucial in determining the truth behind the allegations and ensuring that justice is served.

In conclusion, the complaint filed against Haji Arafat Shaikh over alleged terrace encroachment in Kurla is a significant development in the city's ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of illegal constructions and encroachments. The BMC's action on the complaint will be closely watched, and the outcome may have implications for the city's efforts to curb such constructions.