Mumbai: Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Tuesday (May 19) launched a sharp attack on alleged illegal constructions in Mumbai’s Malvani locality, accusing land mafias of operating with political backing and warning against what he described as increasing demographic and security concerns in the area.
The controversy came to the forefront after Lodha visited a woman allegedly affected by an unauthorised structure near Savariya Masjid in Malvani. Following his visit, the minister held discussions with senior officials at Malvani Police Station and demanded immediate and strict action against those involved in illegal encroachments and unauthorised construction activities.
Speaking to reporters, Lodha alleged that certain local political leaders were shielding individuals engaged in illegal construction activities. He claimed that local residents were being pressured to provide shelter to alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators and asserted that the issue could no longer be ignored.
According to the minister, the alleged rise in unauthorised structures was creating an atmosphere of fear among residents. He further warned that any injustice against the Hindu community would receive a “befitting reply” and said the state government was closely monitoring the situation.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: State Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha says, “Two individuals, Dilshad and Shaukat—who have been constantly bullying a Hindu woman—have several prior criminal cases registered against them. They used intimidation tactics to illegally set up a chhabil… https://t.co/C4G3M9s08E pic.twitter.com/JHIN2XGtyu
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2026
During his visit, Lodha met Ragini Ramashankar Chaurasia, a resident of Abbasia Compound, who alleged that an adjoining illegal construction had blocked the entrance to her house. The family claimed that despite repeated complaints to civic authorities, no concrete action had initially been taken. The issue had also drawn objections from several Hindu organisations operating in the area.
The dispute intensified after allegations emerged that a roadside structure at Abbasia Compound had allegedly been inaugurated by local political representatives without obtaining the necessary permissions from civic authorities. Officials later found that the structure, constructed using cement bricks and iron pillars, did not possess the required approvals.
Following complaints from residents and local groups, the municipal corporation initiated demolition and enforcement action against the alleged illegal structure. Police officials have also indicated that criminal cases may be registered against those responsible for the construction.
Lodha reiterated that infiltration by illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, posed a serious threat to national security. He said the Maharashtra government would continue taking strict measures against illegal encroachments and infiltration activities.
The minister further stated that the state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, remained committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring that communal or civic disputes do not escalate further.
The incident has once again brought focus on the issue of illegal constructions and demographic concerns in suburban parts of Mumbai, particularly Malvani, where civic authorities have frequently faced criticism over delayed action against unauthorised structures and encroachments.
