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The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) postponed the demolition of Samarth Complex after an urgent intervention by the state Urban Development department. The building is among 65 illegal structures in Kalyan and Dombivli, built since 2020 with forged approvals, including fake RERA certificates, and in some cases, on government land. Many unsuspecting buyers paid INR 15-40 lakh for 1BHK and 2BHK flats using bank loans. Protesting residents threatened self-immolation if demolition went ahead, citing earlier government assurances. A 2022 SIT probe exposed widespread fraud, leading to arrests, while courts later ruled the buildings illegal. The final decision now rests with the state.
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) delayed the demolition of Samarth Complex after officials, including the civic chief, were called urgently by the state Urban Development department. The complex was scheduled for razing on Tuesday, but the department's intervention left the final decision in its hands. Advertisement
The building is part of a group of 65 illegal constructions in Dombivli and Kalyan rural areas, built since around 2020 using forged documents, including fake RERA certificates. Many of these buildings are located on government land, and some projects were even listed on the MahaRERA portal, misleading buyers into believing they were legal. Most affected residents are middle-class families who purchased 1BHK and 2BHK flats priced between INR 15 lakh and INR 40 lakh using bank loans.
Before demolition could begin at 11 am, residents staged a protest, holding bottles filled with petrol and warning they would set themselves on fire if KDMC proceeded. They cited assurances from the state government in February that no demolitions would occur.
Past investigations have revealed the scale of the issue. In 2022, architect Sandeep Patil filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, which ordered an SIT probe. At least 15 people, including builders and those who allegedly prepared fake documents, were arrested. KDMC demolished a few vacant structures, but action against occupied buildings was paused to prevent families from losing their homes.
In 2024, residents of another illegal building petitioned the court, claiming they were misled. In November that year, the Bombay High Court ruled the buildings illegal and directed their demolition.
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