Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 10: In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has directed the Commissioner of Mira Bhayander–Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police to personally look into a developer’s complaint alleging threat calls from a Pakistan-based number over illegal transactions concerning 'enemy properties' in the region.
The petitioner, Raju Hamirmal Shah, a local developer, approached the High Court seeking immediate action on his complaint, in which he claimed to have received threatening voice messages and calls via WhatsApp from a Pakistani number. The threats allegedly began after he raised concerns over what he termed as "fraudulent and unauthorized development" on land classified as enemy property.
Enemy properties refer to assets—movable and immovable—left behind in India by individuals who migrated to enemy countries such as Pakistan during times of conflict. These properties are held under the custody of the Indian government's Custodian of Enemy Property.
According to Shah, plots in Mira Bhayander have been the subject of suspicious development activity, supposedly carried out using unauthorized permissions from local civic bodies. Shah alleged that the developments amount to fraud on properties officially controlled by the Central government.
Despite having filed a formal complaint with local authorities, Shah contended that no FIR had been registered, prompting him to move the High Court. During the hearing, the bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela K Gokhale took serious note of the allegations.
“Is this how properties are being released? There are serious allegations. Speak to the Police Commissioner himself. We will keep the matter next week. How have these transactions taken place, including the release deed, etc.? Start investigating,” the bench orally observed during the hearing.
Representing the state, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Prajakta P Shinde sought additional time to get instructions from the concerned authorities. However, given the gravity of the accusations, the court directed the matter to be brought directly to the attention of the Police Commissioner for further inquiry.
“Considering serious allegations made by the petitioner, we deem it appropriate to direct the APP to place this petition before Commissioner of Police to enable them to take appropriate steps,” the court said in its order.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 16, as the court awaits a response from the concerned police officials.
The case sheds light on the murky dealings surrounding enemy properties and raises serious questions about unauthorized development practices in the region, urging authorities to act swiftly and transparently.