Mumbai, Aug. 25 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday demolished unauthorised alterations and encroachments in eight flats in the B wing of Rustomjee Crown, a luxury residential project in Prabhadevi, following complaints about residents illegally encroaching upon common areas and converting them into habitable spaces. Deputy municipal commissioner Prashant Sapkale confirmed the development and said the demolition drive would continue over the next four days, targeting flats where unauthorised alterations had been found. Rustomjee Crown comprises three high-rise buildings - Towers A and B in phase one and C in phase two. All buildings have three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments, and flat owners include a state minister, MLAs and former MLAs. On November 17, 2025, civic activist Santosh Daundkar wrote to senior BMC officials regarding alleged alterations in some apartments. He alleged that in Tower A, portions of common areas measuring 450-500 square feet (sqft) had been enclosed by individual flat owners. Based on the estimated market value at Rs.50,000/ sqft, the notional value of the allegedly encroached space was around Rs.2.5 crore per flat, and around Rs.250 crore for the entire building, he said. A key issue raised in the complaint was the alleged grant of a part Occupation Certificate for Tower B in September 2024 despite alleged unauthorised alterations already existing in Tower A. Daundkar sought an explanation from the building proposal department and alleged possible influence of affluent and politically-connected occupants over civic enforcement. Following Daundkar's complaint, the BMC issued a stop-work notice to the owner/ occupier of flat number 5201 on the 52nd floor of Tower A. It alleged that the occupants had merged the common lobby into the flat using wooden partitions, amalgamated the living room, kitchen and bedroom by removing a common wall, and removed a toilet. Subsequently, in a speaking order dated March 25, 2026, the BMC said that notices had been issued to 138 flats in towers A and B under section 354A of the MMC Act and section 53(1) of the MRTP Act. On August 19, 2026, notices were served to the owner, occupants, society office-bearers and developer, directing them to remain present during an inspection on August 24. Monday's action indicates that the matter has now moved into formal enforcement proceedings. The civic body said further action would be taken in accordance with due process, in keeping with the apex court's November 13, 2024 judgment on unauthorised constructions. Activist-advocate YP Singh welcomed the BMC's action but said it also raised questions that required further investigation. The manner in which building plans were approved and if they left scope for encroachment into common areas should be examined, Singh said. He also called for scrutiny of environmental violations and compliance, especially with regards to obligations relating to gardens, mandatory open spaces and tree plantation. Boman Irani, chairman and managing director, Rustomjee Group didn't respond to requests from HT seeking a comment on Monday's demolition. Sources in the real estate industry said property owners in Rustomjee Crown had restricted access to common areas and had been charged separately for the same. "Several apartment owners have bought 150-450sqft outside their main door. The fine print was also approved by the attorneys appointed by many flat buyers," a realty executive said, requesting anonymity....