Illegal Multi-Storey Building on Ambedkar Heir’s Land Demolished in Kalyan, Plot Restored

Illegal Multi-Storey Building Demolished on Ambedkar Heir's Land in Kalyan

The Maharashtra state revenue minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, informed the Legislative Assembly about the demolition of an illegal multi-storey building constructed on land owned by the heir of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar, in Kalyan. The property is currently registered under Prakash Ambedkar and others.

The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) had initially allowed construction on roughly 3,200 square meters of this land, permitting 72 flats and 8 commercial units. However, the revenue department intervened and ensured the entire structure was demolished, with the vacant land restored to the Ambedkar family.

Timeline and Legal Actions

The building, known as Tanishka Residency, was declared unauthorized by KDMC in 2023. The municipal corporation received a complaint about its unauthorized construction by Lalit Mahajan and others. A notice was issued on February 10, 2023, under Sections 260 and 267(1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, followed by a hearing on February 17, 2023.

Since the developers failed to provide authorization documents during the hearing, the building was officially declared unauthorized. Demolition took place between May 20 and June 13, 2025, under the supervision of KDMC.

Ownership and Land Status

Minister Bawankule clarified that the plots remain registered in the names of Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar and other heirs of Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar. No transfer or registration in the names of third parties has taken place, confirming that the land rightfully belongs to Dr. Ambedkar's family and was unlawfully occupied.

Concerns About Land Mafia and Official Accountability

MLA Aslam Shaikh criticized the incident as a clear example of land mafia influence. He demanded that those responsible for the illegal construction be booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. Shaikh emphasized that the powerful land mafia enables such unauthorized constructions to proceed unchecked until public pressure forces action.

He further urged for the suspension of officials who permitted the illegal building and highlighted similar issues of government land being sold unlawfully across Mumbai.

Key Takeaways for Real Estate and Construction Professionals

• Unauthorized constructions can still occur despite municipal regulations, especially on high-value or historically significant land.
• Timely and strict enforcement by revenue and municipal authorities is critical to maintaining land rights and preventing illegal developments.
• Developers must ensure all legal authorizations are secured before beginning construction to avoid demolition and legal action.
• Public vigilance and political accountability play an important role in exposing and addressing illegal building activities.

For those involved in real estate development or municipal governance, this case underscores the necessity of transparent approvals and careful verification of land ownership before sanctioning construction projects.