Mumbai: Civic officials have begun inspecting Hotel Ram Krishna, located adjacent to the demolished Jain temple in Vile Parle, following allegations that the hotel sought to expand its premises by influencing civic action that took place on April 16, when the temple was partially razed by the civic body.
“Inspection began on April 22 itself and continued on April 23. The civic staff will complete its inspection and suggest if there are any violations,” a civic official said.
The inspection of the hotel follows a visit by the State Minorities Commission to the site of the now-demolished temple on Tuesday, April 22. BMC officials said the commission held a hearing in the matter, during which they were directed to examine the hotel for any unauthorised constructions or alterations.
“When the commission members visited the site, we showed them the plans of the hotel and sought an inspection,” said Anil Shah of the temple Shree 1008 Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir trust.
BMC officials said that the inspection is being carried out in compliance with that directive. A civic notice will be issued if any violations are found.
Hotel authorities believe they are being unfairly targeted in the matter. On Wednesday, the hotel manager was summoned to the local police station over complaints of uncleanliness around the premises and was allowed to go after a few hours, said a hotel staff member. “Even if there are hygiene issues, it is the BMC’s jurisdiction to act—not the police,” said a staff member.
Civic sources said that on April 11, when legal remarks were sought on whether the office of the Building and Factory Department should proceed with the scheduled demolition action on April 16 or not, the assistant law officer K-East Ward mentioned that the department should proceed with the scheduled demolition action on April 16, 2025, as per the provisions of the law, unless the noticee produces any stay order.
BJP MLAs, including cabinet minister M P Lodha, met BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on April 22, demanding restoration permission of the temple. Civic authorities have said that no permission can be granted until the matter comes up in court for hearing, which is now scheduled for April 30.
On Wednesday, the Municipal Engineers Association and the Municipal Workers Union held a protest at the K-East Ward office condemning the BMC’s decision to transfer ward officer Navnath Ghadge. The transfer came days after the April 16 demolition of the Jain temple. Union leaders warned that if such transfers continue, officials would act on religious structures only with explicit sanction from the municipal commissioner.
Executive president Ramesh Bhutekar Deshmukh said, “If the ward officer was transferred without any investigation in the matter, this is not justified. The BMC administration must not succumb to any kind of political pressure, at least when the official has acted in the right manner and after the court order. If the ward officer had not acted, the court would have reprimanded them in the case.” he said.