Navi Mumbai building collapse

Following the collapse of a three-storey building in Shahbaz Village, which resulted in three fatalities, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) launched a demolition drive targeting illegal constructions associated with the builder, Mahesh Khumbar, and his relative, Ravindra Waghmare. Authorities demolished seven shops and unauthorized extensions related to Khumbar's residence, and additional illegal structures were razed across all eight wards of Navi Mumbai. Despite previous notices regarding the illegality of these constructions, compliance was lacking, prompting immediate action from the NMMC. Meanwhile, a committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the building's collapse and assess the legality of other structures in the area. The municipal commissioner emphasized the need for structural audits of buildings to prevent future incidents, as many constructions lack the necessary permits. Activists have criticized the NMMC for its delayed response to previous warnings about the building's condition, calling for accountability among officials.