Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

In a troubling development, Gopal Khatke, a sub-engineer within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Solid Waste Department, K-West Ward, stands accused of demanding bribes from contractors. The allegations have sparked a rigorous investigation, with Mumbai Uncensored closely examining the evidence brought forth.

The accusations against Khatke have raised serious concerns about the integrity of BMC’s Solid Waste Department and its commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.

The evidence presented to Mumbai Uncensored reveals a pattern of behavior where Gopal Khatke is alleged to have sought illicit financial gain from contractors in exchange for various privileges and leniencies in their dealings with the BMC. These practices not only undermine the principles of fair competition but also cast a dark shadow over the city’s waste management efforts.

The BMC is known for its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. However, the allegations against Gopal Khatke threaten to tarnish this reputation. In light of the seriousness of the claims, a comprehensive investigation is warranted to establish the veracity of the accusations and determine the extent of any wrongdoing.

The implications of such allegations extend beyond the individual in question, as they potentially compromise the effectiveness and transparency of the BMC’s operations. Consequently, swift and impartial action is imperative to maintain public trust and ensure that the BMC remains a beacon of integrity.

Mumbai Uncensored will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as the investigation unfolds. We urge the BMC and relevant authorities to treat this matter with the utmost gravity and take the necessary measures to address these allegations promptly.

The citizens of Mumbai have the right to expect that public officials adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and any deviations from these principles must be met with the full force of the law.

As this story develops, Mumbai Uncensored will keep a watchful eye on the proceedings, demanding that justice is served and accountability is upheld.

Mumbai, 27th September, 2023 – In a shocking revelation, the Solid Waste Management Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) K West Ward is currently under scrutiny for an alleged scam involving government tenders valued at approximately 8 crores. Documents crucial to transparency, such as geo-tagging of before and after photos of the work allotted to contractors, are mysteriously missing, pointing to a potential case of mismanagement.

The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the city, centers around fraudulent bills allegedly generated by BMC officials, leading to the embezzlement of public funds by contractors who were purportedly aided by insiders within the BMC.

Initial investigations indicate that fake bank statements were attached to official files, enabling the illicit flow of money. This egregious breach of trust has raised serious concerns regarding the BMC’s accountability and transparency in managing public funds.

One particularly alarming facet of this scandal is the discovery of repetitive work being conducted, seemingly with the intention of siphoning off additional public funds. This pattern of wrongdoing raises questions about how long such malpractice has persisted within the K West Ward’s Solid Waste Management Department.

Furthermore, reports suggest that extortion and corruption have occurred within the government ranks, with officials allegedly threatening contractors to partake in these illicit activities. According to sources, Assistant Engineer Sunil Panaskar, Sub Engineer Manas Janjiral & Gopal Khatke are hand-in-gloves with the contractors and politicians, and are running this cartel. This element of the scandal highlights the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the extent of corruption within the BMC’s K West Ward.

Residents and taxpayers in Mumbai are understandably outraged by this scandal, as it involves the misuse of funds intended for the betterment of the city. The BMC now faces intense public pressure to address these allegations promptly and transparently.

As this story continues to develop, Mumbai Uncensored will be closely monitoring the situation and demanding accountability from the authorities involved. The citizens of Mumbai deserve a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that public funds are managed with the utmost integrity.

In the coming days, Mumbai Uncensored will provide updates on this scandal as more information comes to light. The future of the city’s waste management and the accountability of its public officials hang in the balance as this investigation unfolds.

Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored, 27th July, 2023:

Alleged Collusion with Government Officials Raises Concerns over Legality of Projects. BMC K West Assistant Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj Chavan, Executive Engineer Mr. Kolekar, Assistant Engineer Somesh Shinde and Sub Engineer Gholap seem to be a part of this cartel of protecting unauthorised constructions, as they haven’t taken any action even after several complaints from citizens and social organisations.

Mumbai, June 24, 2023 – Dev Land Housing (DLH), a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, is facing scrutiny and allegations of illegality as it has come to light that many of its buildings lack the mandatory Occupation Certificates (OCs). An Occupation Certificate is a crucial document issued by local government agencies to ensure that a building complies with building codes, regulations, and laws, signifying its suitability for occupancy.

According to sources, DLH has constructed numerous buildings across Mumbai, but a significant number of them lack the necessary OCs. An RTI (Right to Information) inquiry has revealed that several legal documents related to DLH’s real estate projects are missing from government offices, raising concerns about the transparency and legality of the company’s operations.

An Occupancy Certificate is granted after a thorough assessment of various factors. These include verifying if the property has been constructed according to the approved plan, compliance with building codes, availability of basic necessities such as drainage and electricity, and obtaining all the required clearances, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department.

However, it has been discovered that DLH’s buildings have not adhered to these standards. Violations of floor space index (FSI) regulations have also been identified in several of the developer’s projects. These findings raise serious questions about DLH’s construction practices and their adherence to legal requirements.

Moreover, the alleged involvement of government officials in the irregularities surrounding DLH’s projects has further deepened the suspicions. Concerned officers, who are responsible for safeguarding the documents, have refused to provide any information regarding DLH’s real estate ventures. Sources have indicated that these officials may be colluding with the developer to protect their interests, thereby hindering transparency and accountability.

The absence of OCs for DLH’s buildings has significant legal implications. The Bombay High Court has unequivocally ruled that it is illegal to occupy flats in buildings without the mandatory municipal Occupation Certificate. The certificate acts as proof that the building has complied with the approved plans, and its absence renders the entire structure unauthorized and potentially unsafe.

The failure of DLH to obtain OCs raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the occupants of these buildings. Residents who have invested in DLH’s properties may find themselves in a precarious situation, living in structures that lack the necessary approvals from the authorities.

The authorities must take immediate action to investigate DLH’s real estate practices thoroughly. Any collusion between the developer and government officials must be thoroughly probed, and strict action must be taken against those found responsible for compromising the integrity of the system.

DLH and its associated parties should be held accountable for any violations and irregularities in their projects. The well-being and safety of the residents must be prioritized, and steps should be taken to ensure that all buildings comply with the necessary legal requirements, including obtaining the mandatory Occupation Certificates.

As the investigation unfolds, affected residents and the public at large eagerly await a resolution that upholds the principles of legality and accountability in the real estate sector, providing justice to those who have been affected by DLH’s alleged disregard for the law.