BMC's Rs 4.75 lakh bouncer for Tendulkar

Mumbai: Hours after Sachin Tendulkar moved into his dream home in Bandra, the BMC imposed a Rs 4.75lakh penalty on him for moving in without acquiring an Occupancy Certificate (OC).

The legendary batsman received the rude shock as he moved into his five-storeyed home at Perry Cross Road in Bandra (West). Confirming the same, Chief Engineer (Development Plan) R Kukanur, said, "He will be penalised Rs 4.75 lakh for inhabiting a house before getting the OC. It was due in procedure and he would have got the OC in the next four days."

As per the law, one cannot enter a flat or building without receiving an OC for it. A senior official from the building proposals department said action could be initiated against Sachin by slapping a notice under Section 350 (A) of the BMC Act for occupying premises without an OC.

The official further added, "A person who illegally occupies a house without an OC can be prosecuted, but it rarely happens as the person would receive the OC in a few days time. Other than the OC bit, there are no violations in the building and Sachin should have waited for four days before performing the grihapravesh puja on Wednesday."

Sachin's secretary remained mum on the issue.

Meanwhile, other sources have revealed that the batsman has purchased over 40 exquisite paintings and showpieces from an art store.

'Waive penalty'
Meanwhile, the state government asked BMC Commissioner Subodh Kumar to waive the penalty.

Textiles minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who is the guardian minister for Mumbai suburbs, said he had spoken to Kumar.

"Sachin is an icon who has brought international laurels to the country. Subodh Kumar told me that he would examine the issue and act accordingly," Khan told reporters yesterday. The minister said Sachin had complied with formalities for getting the OC.

"Normally, one moves into a house after getting the OC. Here, he has submitted documents for the OC, but shifted into the new house without getting the certificate, which according to corporation officials attracts a penalty. He should be exempted from penalty as a special case," the minister added.

However, when MiD DAY approached Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sudhir Naik, PA to the municipal commissioner, he said, "We have not received any intimation from the state government." Subodh Kumar too, remained unavailable for comment on the issue.

Money matter
Sachin had purchased the 8,998 sq ft Dorab Villa in Bandra for Rs 39 crore in 2007 from the Satra Group. Reportedly, he is pumping in about the same amount to redecorate his home.

Did you know?
Sachin's newly acquired home was built in 1920 by a Parsi family, the Wardens.

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