Massive Irregularities Alleged in Mulund West, Shree Rameshwar Housing Society; Residents Cry Foul Over Redevelopment Push

Mumbai, August 28, 2025 – Allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement, unauthorized constructions, and an illegal redevelopment push have rocked Shree Rameshwar Apartment Co-operative Housing Society in Mulund (West), Mumbai.

In a detailed complaint addressed to the Maharashtra Housing Department, resident Damyanti E. Parmar has accused the society’s former secretary, Hariram Narayan Thakkar, of decades-long misuse of power and alleged collusion with officials in the Registrar’s office. The complaint also highlights serious lapses in the scrutiny of redevelopment permissions granted by the authorities.

A 37-Year Grip on Power

The society, developed in 1988, comprises four wings, 34 flats, and 10 shops. According to the complainant, Mr. Thakkar functioned as secretary for nearly 37 years, allegedly creating an atmosphere of fear among members while misusing his authority.

Financial Mismanagement

Despite regular maintenance collections, society accounts reportedly show a nil balance. Fixed deposits worth ₹14–15 lakh were allegedly encashed without authorization, while property tax arrears of nearly ₹12.3 lakh were settled using society funds without mandatory co-signatures. The complaint terms these actions as a “criminal breach of trust.”

Unauthorized Constructions & Alleged Extortion

Members allege that unauthorized extensions and structural alterations were permitted without BMC approval, reportedly in exchange for money. These acts, the complaint notes, violate provisions of the MMC Act, MRTP Act, and DCPR 2034.

Dubious Redevelopment Drive

Perhaps the most contentious issue is the society’s redevelopment process. Despite the building being just 37 years old and structurally sound, redevelopment efforts were allegedly initiated without:

• 70% members’ consent,
• Valid AGM/SGM resolutions, and
• Proper tendering through national dailies.

Instead, bogus tenders were allegedly manipulated to favour a particular builder. Shockingly, society funds were even used to book a hotel on August 31, 2025, for redevelopment discussions—without members’ approval.

Registrar’s Office Under Scanner

The complaint also points to alleged dereliction of duty within the Registrar’s office. A tender-related application, signed solely by the secretary—who had already resigned—was accepted without verification. Permissions were granted, and officers were deputed for the society’s SGM, raising suspicions of “collusion and corruption.”

Legal Violations Cited

The allegations, if proven, could attract provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, and even the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Calls for Immediate Action

Parmar has demanded:

• Immediate cancellation of the redevelopment process,
• A full-fledged audit and seizure of society records,
• A departmental probe into Registrar’s office officials, and
• Assurance that redevelopment proceeds only with lawful compliance and 70% member consent.

“This is not a mere irregularity but a systematic fraud running for decades,” Parmar states in her complaint, warning that 34 families and 10 shop owners stand to suffer irreparable harm if urgent action is not taken.

Copies of the complaint have also been forwarded to the Commissioner for Co-operation, Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Mulund Police, and BMC authorities.