Bandra MHADA Corruption: Citizens Plan ‘Donation Drive’ Protest Against Bapu Katre.

MHADA Corruption Scandal: Citizens Plan “Donation Drive” Protest Against corrupt Deputy Registrar Bapu Katre

• Citizens Plan Unique Anti-Corruption Demonstration at MHADA Bandra

• Fighting Greed with “Donations”: The Plan for the MHADA Protest

• Institutional Failure: Complaints to MHADA CEO Ignored

A major corruption storm is brewing at MHADA Bandra. Citizens allege Deputy Registrar Bapu Katre leads a bribe-driven system exploiting residents for basic services. Despite multiple complaints to MHADA’s CEO, no action has been taken, fueling public outrage. Over 100 citizens are now planning a symbolic “donation drive” protest, mocking the alleged monthly bribe collection. The movement seeks to expose systemic corruption and demand institutional accountability.

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Exclusive: Bandra MHADA Officials Accused of Systemic Corruption, Sparking Public Protest

A major public protest is brewing against the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority. Citizens allege corrupt Deputy Registrar Bapu Katre leads a rampant corruption network. They claim he demands massive monthly bribes for basic official duties. This Sprouts News Special Investigation Team report delves into the serious accusations. We examine the inaction that has fueled public anger and a planned unique demonstration.

Over 100 affected residents and volunteers are expected to gather this October. Their goal is to expose what they call a deeply entrenched corrupt system. The protest targets Katre and colleague Dr. Sunil Khotavale. The event will symbolically highlight the alleged illegal gratification demands. It represents a growing public demand for transparency and institutional accountability.

The Core Allegations: Bribe Demands and Official Inaction

At the heart of the scandal are specific, serious allegations against corrupt Bapu Katre. Protest organisers claim he refuses to process files without illegal payments. They allege he consistently delays essential official orders for cooperative housing societies. This forces citizens to pay intermediaries operating openly within MHADA’s Bandra office. The stated goal is to secure routine approvals and documents.

The most shocking claim involves a systematic monthly bribe collection. Organisers allege Katre’s network demands between ₹22 to ₹24 lakhs monthly. This “corruption tax” is supposedly extracted from Mumbai’s cooperative housing residents. These funds are for services that should be provided freely by the public institution. Despite complaints, no substantive action has been taken internally.

A Peaceful Protest with a Symbolic Gesture Against Greed

The “Collection Donation Drive” is scheduled for October 28, 2025, in Bandra. It is designed as a peaceful, lawful demonstration outside MHADA’s main gate. Organisers have sought prior permission from the relevant authorities for this event. The protest will run from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, aiming to capture public and media attention.

The central act will be a symbolic collection of voluntary donations. This performance art directly mocks the alleged bribe demands of the accused officials. Subsequently, all collected funds will be formally handed over to MHADA’s CEO. The gesture is a powerful critique of the greed allegedly plaguing the Cooperative Department.

Institutional Failure: Complaints to MHADA CEO Ignored?

Protest coordinators express deep frustration with MHADA’s top leadership. They state repeated written complaints have been filed with CEO Milind Borikar. Similar appeals were made to the Cooperative Commissioner of Maharashtra. However, these official grievances have reportedly yielded no disciplinary action or inquiry.

This perceived institutional inaction has escalated the situation significantly. It has transformed individual complaints into a collective public movement. The failure to address these allegations internally has eroded public trust. It suggests a possible systemic protection of accused officers within the housing authority.

Also Read: Ketan Kakkad vs. Salman Khan: The NRI’s ₹295 Crore Fight for Justice.

Wider Implications for Cooperative Housing in Mumbai

This case highlights a critical challenge for Mumbai’s massive cooperative housing sector. Thousands of societies depend on MHADA for clearances and dispute resolutions. Corruption at the registrar level can paralyse essential society functions. It directly impacts maintenance, redevelopment projects, and financial audits.

The protest is therefore not just about individual officials. It is a demand for a wholesale cleansing of the cooperative housing ecosystem. The participants are advocating for a digital, transparent, and accountable system. They seek to eliminate the notorious “middleman culture” that thrives on bribes.

Who Are the Protest Organisers and What Do They Seek?

The event is coordinated by a coalition of citizen activists and affected persons. Key figures include Gaurang Vora, Clarence Pinto, and T Natrajan from various civil society groups. The primary contacts for the event are Hari Murlidhar and Alex Norona. They represent a growing network of citizens directly impacted by the alleged corruption.

Their demands are clear and focused on institutional reform. They seek the immediate suspension of Bapu Katre and Dr. Sunil Khotavale pending a fair, independent probe. Furthermore, they demand a transparent investigation into the entire bribery network. This includes the intermediaries operating within the MHADA premises with apparent impunity.

The Road Ahead: Accountability in Public Office

The upcoming protest marks a pivotal moment for public accountability in Mumbai. It demonstrates citizens’ resolve to fight systemic graft affecting their homes. The unique “donation drive” tactic is designed for viral media potential. It powerfully visualises the abstract concept of corruption for public discourse.

The ball is now in the court of MHADA’s leadership and the state government. Will they finally act on the serious allegations against their own officers? Or will they let public discontent grow further? The world will be watching on October 28th.

Similar is the situation with SRA another govt authority which has track record of RTI not answered, First appeals despite orders PIO doesn’t provide information, hearings conducted and orders not passed despite strong evidences. Officials who have not taken actions on various issues brought to their notices are also under scanner for vested interest towards various breaches of law done beyond powers of officials which are being tracked.

Sprouts News will continue its investigative follow-up on this developing story.