Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 4: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday night shut down an eatery that was operating from behind a women’s mobile toilet in Fort, following the absence of required permissions and licences.
Civic officials from the A ward carried out within hours after the issue came to light. By Friday, the establishment was completely shut, with staff seen vacating the premises and removing perishable items and cooking equipment.
A BMC spokesperson confirmed that action was taken on Thursday night, adding that officials also seized kitchen equipment from the spot. Geo-tagged images of the operation were recorded as part of the .
The eatery’s manager, Geeta Mehar, stated that the shop was closed following instructions from local corporator Makarand Narwekar and staff associated with the NGO managing the facility.
The issue had gained attention after claims surfaced that the eatery was functioning without valid documents. Mehar had earlier stated that she did not possess the required licences but produced a reference letter allegedly linked to MLA Rahul Narwekar. However, the legislator reportedly denied any such association.
Local shopkeepers welcomed the civic action, alleging that the eatery operators had been functioning without fear for over a year by claiming links to influential persons, while other small businesses struggled to obtain necessary permissions.
Meanwhile, Madhumalati Foundation, which manages the mobile toilet facility, clarified that the space had been allotted under a women’s empowerment initiative. The NGO stated that permission was granted only for the sale of packaged food and beverages, strictly prohibiting cooking activities due to fire safety concerns.
Ulka Sadalkar, chief operations officer of the foundation, said that the operator had allegedly violated these conditions and continued the venture without authorisation.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue to monitor similar unauthorised activities in the area.