Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 25: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched a demolition drive against alleged unauthorised alterations inside flats at the upscale Rustomjee Crown residential complex in Prabhadevi.

The action followed complaints by RTI activist Santosh Daundkar, who alleged unauthorised construction and alterations inside several apartments, amalgamation of flats and misuse of areas exempted from Floor Space Index (FSI) calculations.

According to the complaint, Rustomjee Crown has two completed wings, A and B, with 63 floors each. A third wing, C, is under construction and is proposed to have 65 floors.

The residential complex comprises three- to five-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,335 sq ft to 3,072 sq ft.

Daundkar alleged that some residents had enclosed portions of common areas and converted them into habitable spaces. The allegedly enclosed areas were estimated to range between 450 sq ft and 800 sq ft.

The RTI activist claimed that the market value of the allegedly unauthorised enclosed spaces could be between Rs 2.25 crore and Rs 2.50 crore. He also alleged that common areas exempted from FSI calculations had been converted for private use.

The high-rise is reportedly home to several prominent residents, including politicians, businessmen, foreign consulate officials and senior corporate executives.

The civic body had earlier initiated proceedings over alleged unauthorised works at the complex.

In a communication issued to Daundkar in March 2026, the BMC stated that it had issued 128 notices under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act in connection with the alleged violations.

The civic body said further action would be taken in accordance with due legal process and a Supreme Court judgment cited in its communication.

Following the proceedings, demolition work was carried out in three flats on Monday. The operation was conducted under police security and involved 15 labourers along with 10 civic staff members and officers.

BMC officials said the demolition drive would continue over the next few days.

The Rustomjee Group, meanwhile, denied allegations of violations by the developer.

In a statement, a spokesperson said the construction had been carried out as per plans sanctioned and approved by the competent authorities under the 1991 Development Control Regulations.

The spokesperson said the project complied with all applicable norms and regulations and had received an Occupation Certificate around two years ago.

“There are no violations on the part of the developer,” the spokesperson said, adding that the group had been cooperating with the authorities and providing the information sought by them.

The group also said it had been engaging with residents and encouraging them to undertake necessary corrective measures wherever required.