Govinda’s illegal mansion dodges the law

Lapped by the sea, the white-washed bungalow is spread across 2,485 sq ft, a beacon of wealth—and new-found power—surrounded by th...

Lapped by the sea, the white-washed bungalow is spread across 2,485 sq ft, a beacon of wealth—and new-found power—surrounded by the modest homes of Bhati village, Erangal. Except for a caretaker breeding buffalos, there’s no one home. Here on Madh Island, Mumbai’s lush north-western vacationland, the nameless mansion is simply known as ‘‘Govinda’s bungalow’’.

The flamboyant actor-turned-politician built the bungalow six years ago, at a time when many similar bungalows sprang up in the area. Like many, Govinda’s bungalow is illegal, constructed as it is in a no-development zone, apart from violating coastal zoning regulations, which prohibit construction within 500 metres of the high-tide line.

But others are finding it hard to get away. On September 3, Bollywood producer Salim Akhtar’s bungalow was pulled down. In June, the bungalows of singer Alka Yagnik and producer Barkha Roy were demolished. And 32 more have been served with demolition notices.

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Now Govinda’s new avtar as Congress MP in a Congress-ruled state is keeping an otherwise determined Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at bay.

When contacted, Govinda said: ‘‘It is a very old bungalow which was purchased by me. I am aware that it is in the CRZ zone. Only repair work has been carried out. If the BMC feels it is illegal, they can take a look at it and take necessary action.’’

The man leading the crackdown on the bungalows, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Dr Kishor Kshirsagar was terse. Though Govinda’s mansion stands on the waterfront, he said: ‘‘We have no information about the bungalow as of now. If required, we will check.’’ His reticence is understandable. He’s been under seige since he supervised the demolition of Akhtar’s bungalow, built with no permission.

Kshirsagar diverted calls on his cellphone to his office after being flooded with calls from Bollywood personalities and politicians. Among the callers, said a top BMC source, was Govinda’s friend, fellow UP migrant and Maharashtra Home Minister Kripashankar Singh.

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‘‘When the minister learned that BMC officials were considering serving a notice on Govinda’s bungalow, he made persistant calls to stop the process,’’ the source said.

Singh, however, denied he made any calls. ‘‘I do not know about the bungalow. I have not seen it. Govinda is an MP and if he needs to stall anything, he can do it himself. Why would he need me?’’ he said.

None of this is good news for Khirsagar and his men, who always face tremendous resistance in serving notices. His unit has been dragged to court in many cases.

Akhtar’s bungalow was served a notice in 2001. Appeals in the lower court and finally the HC were thrown out before the demolition crew moved on September 3. Similar is the case of Barkha Roy, actress Reena Roy’s sister who made Sanam Teri Kasam. Her bungalow was also served a notice in 2001. She lost her case and in June, her house was demolished. Others are still fighting the BMC, like actor Shakti Kapoor, who was served a notice in 2002.

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