Approximately 783 structures located in coastal regulation zone (CRZ) areas across 10 civic wards have received showcause notices, while 44 have been demolished to date, as stated by state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in a written statement. Some of these cases are currently pending in court.
The statement presented to the legislative council regarding the inquiry into the forged maps scams, which were brought to light by citizen Vaibhav Thakur, indicated that the special investigation team (SIT) established at the request of the Bombay high court has arrested 23 individuals implicated in the case, with three additional suspects still at large. Among the 23 individuals arrested, there are 12 private citizens, two officials, seven employees, and two retired employees from the land records department.
Furthermore, the statement notes that the BMC has examined 309 CTS maps across 10 civic wards, uncovering 1,093 constructions along the coastline. The state government has instructed the police to file a complaint, resulting in four complaints being lodged with the Goregaon and Kherwadi police stations.
Thakur initiated a criminal writ petition in the Bombay high court last year. Bawankule mentioned that regular updates regarding the investigation are being provided to the court.
