Mumbai: Controversy has once again surfaced over Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s luxurious bungalow ‘Mannat’. This heritage property located in Bandra Bandstand area of Mumbai was inspected by a joint team of the Forest Department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
This action was taken after a complaint of possible violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
Why Was The Investigation Done?
Mannat, which is located on the seashore, has long been famous for its grandeur and location. But recently complaints were lodged regarding the construction work being done in it. It has been told that two additional floors are being added to the annex building behind the bungalow, which may violate the rules under CRZ laws. In this context, the Forest Department has started this investigation.
Mannat Is A Heritage Property
It is worth noting that ‘Mannat’ is a heritage structure, whose original name was ‘Villa Vienna’. Behind its main bungalow is a multi-storey building, which was developed by Shahrukh Khan in 2005. At that time, the Urban Land Ceiling Act was in force, under which construction beyond a certain limit was not allowed. It is alleged that to avoid this law, approval was taken from BMC for 12 small flats and later a large luxury apartment was built by combining them.
Shahrukh’s Team’s Side
Shahrukh Khan’s staff present on the spot told the officials that all the necessary approval documents have already been taken and they will soon be submitted to the concerned departments. Giving information to the media, Shahrukh’s manager Pooja Dadlani said, “There is no complaint and the construction is going on completely in accordance with the guidelines.”
Former IPS Officer Allegation
Former IPS officer and lawyer YP Singh has also raised serious questions in this matter. He said that the construction going on in Mannat violates many rules and all this cannot be possible without the connivance of the municipal corporation officials. They have demanded that the 12 flats be separated again, so that the purpose of mass housing can be achieved.
Next Action
The Forest Department says that the spot has been inspected and now a report is being prepared. BMC clarified that they were present on the spot only on the request of the Forest Department and at present they have no independent action.