AGENCIES / THANE
Thane district police yesterday registered a case against Mira-Bhayander BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and civic officials for allegedly building a hotel after clearing mangroves. An official said that the case was lodged in Mira Road police station following directives by the Bombay High court.
The official informed that apart from Mehta, among those booked under relevant sections of the IPC, the Environment Protection Act and the Maharashtra Regional Town Development Act 1966 are Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation commissioner, senior civic staff and directors and partners of the hotel.
He added that the civic officials are accused of giving permissions against guidelines laid down for the construction of ‘Seven Eleven’ hotel.
A local journalist had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court alleging that the hotel was built after clearing mangroves illegally. The High Court, in an order on September 19, directed police to register an FIR and start the investigation.