Builder Without Tender Sparks Outcry in Bandra Society Redevelopment
Residents raise serious allegations over collusion, low benefits, and misleading tactics in housing project
A redevelopment dispute has flared up in Bandra East’s Vishva Kiran Co-operative Housing Society, where several residents have accused the society committee of colluding with an inexperienced builder to push through a controversial project. IVC Buildcon Pvt. Ltd., the developer in question, is alleged to have been appointed without any formal tendering process — raising eyebrows and triggering strong opposition from residents, especially senior citizens.
The society’s committee — led by Chairman Chandrakant Gawade, Secretary Amol Sawant, and Committee Member G.D. Sawant — is under scrutiny for allegedly selecting the builder in haste and pressuring residents to sign redevelopment agreements under misleading pretenses.
Members claim the builder lacks both past experience and a completion certificate, essential credentials in any redevelopment undertaking. Company records show that both directors — Narendra Murari Rane and Pravin Atmaram Rane — joined the firm only recently, in March and May 2024, further intensifying doubts about the firm’s capacity.
Area Offered Well Below Standard Norms
One of the key concerns raised by residents is that only 30% additional area is being offered in exchange for vacating their flats — far lower than the 60% hike that is typically standard in similar projects across Mumbai. According to a project advisor, this shortfall amounts to a major loss in value for homeowners.
“This society is 35 years old. Most of us are retired government officers who invested our life savings here. We won’t let it go without a fair deal,” said one resident who has refused to sign the redevelopment papers.
Adding to the tension is the location itself. The building stands on Collector Land — government-allotted land — where many residents fear a redevelopment deal without proper scrutiny could jeopardize their property rights long-term.
Pressure Tactics and Psychological Games
Allegations also include reports that residents are being told that “no other builder will take up this project,” and that “whatever offer is on the table is final.” Many claim this is a deliberate strategy to rush the project through without genuine consent.
However, a few vigilant members took the matter to the society’s Project Management Consultant (PMC), where they were advised to hold off signing. PMC Advisor Akbar Jiwani stated clearly:
“This project is eligible for at least a 60% area hike. There’s no need to rush.”
He has assured residents that he will visit the site personally and explain how redevelopment can be handled transparently, with fair benefits to all stakeholders.
High-Value Plot, High-Stakes Dispute
Sources suggest that the society’s location — directly opposite a planned ₹2625 crore High Court complex — might be a strong reason why the builder is pushing for the deal. With such a major public project nearby, the land’s value is expected to surge, potentially offering massive profits to the private developer.
Several residents have now united to oppose the move, demanding a fresh selection process for the builder and complete transparency from the committee.
🧾 Source: Partial leads and background verification based on open-source news and Real News of India
