Mumbai EOW Files FIR Against GA Builders for Redevelopment Failures

The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Mumbai has initiated an investigation into GA Builders Pvt Ltd, part of RNA Corporation, following a complaint regarding the failure to reconstruct Sneh Sadan, a residential building in Chembur. The FIR was lodged by Sunil Chavan, chairman of the Sneh Sadan cooperative housing society, who reported that the redevelopment agreement signed in 2008 has not been honored. The complaint was initially filed at the Chembur police station before being transferred to the EOW. According to the FIR, the agreement stipulated that residents would vacate the building, with the promise that new flats would be delivered within two years. In the event of delays, GA Builders was to pay the society Rs 5,000 weekly and provide monthly rent of Rs 8,000 to the displaced residents. While the builder fulfilled these obligations until 2018, payments ceased thereafter, and no construction has commenced, leaving the 22-member society in a state of uncertainty. The original Sneh Sadan building, constructed by MHADA in 1960 for low-income families, has become part of a broader issue in Subhash Nagar, where multiple redevelopment projects have faced similar complaints. Many residents have reported builders failing to meet contractual terms, and numerous buildings lack the necessary occupation certificates, raising concerns about compliance with BMC regulations. Despite these violations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not taken action against the builders. Additionally, a playground area has been controversially relocated to accommodate a new building erected without proper certification, further complicating the situation for local residents.