Mumbai: RTI query filed against comedian Kapil Sharma for destroying mangroves

An RTI has been filed against comedian Kapil Sharma alleging that mangroves were destroyed during the construction of his office.

The complaint, filed by RTI activist Asad Patel, was registered in the Versova Police Station.

The police are currently investigating the matter. RLA Rajhans, advocate of Patel in the application said his client stated that no action has been taken against Kapil Sharma and his hirelings for illegal construction, encroachment, illegal eco-destruction, destroying and theft of mangorves and debris dumping.

"Hence it is submitted that immediately strict action be taken under Section 378 of Indian Penal Code, 1860, The Forest Act, 1927, Environment Protection Act 1986. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, as per directions of the Bombay High Court in conservation of mangroves matter, against Kapil Sharma and his hirelings by arresting them and the place may be seized, sealed immediately.." the application read.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had earlier threatened Sharma to prove bribe allegations against BMC officials or face action.

Kapil Sharma has claimed that he was asked to pay a bribe by a BMC official for his new office that is under construction.

BMC vigilance chief engineer Manohar Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have both responded to Sharma and assured that they are looking into the matter.

Pawar asked Sharma to make a formal complaint and name the officer who demanded bribe from him and the Chief Minister responded to his tweet asking for the name.

--ANI