BMC Demolishes Illegal Extension of Vice Global Tapas Bar Linked to BMW Hit-and-Run Case

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday demolished reportedly illegally built parts of the Vice Global Tapas Bar in Juhu, where 24-year-old Mihir Shah, the prime accused in a recent BMW hit-and-run case, had reportedly consumed alcohol prior to the incident. This action follows the suspension of the bar’s license by Maharashtra’s excise department and the sealing of its premises by the collector’s office.

Officials from BMC’s K/West (KW) ward conducted an inspection on Tuesday evening to assess the structure for any unauthorized modifications. They identified illegal constructions in the kitchen and loft near the entrance and initiated demolition under Section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, which permits the removal of unauthorized structures. The bar has been operational since 2022.

The demolition operation involved the deployment of a bulldozer and a team of officials to dismantle the illegal portions identified earlier. This move comes in the wake of allegations that the bar had been serving alcohol in violation of regulations, including to underage drinkers like Mihir Shah.

On Tuesday, the excise department had issued a notice to the bar, accusing it of multiple violations, including serving liquor to individuals not permitted to consume alcohol and operating in a non-designated restaurant zone.

The demolition dive comes in the wake of the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case that occurred on Sunday morning, resulting in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa (45) and left her husband, Pradeep, injured. Mihir Shah allegedly fled the scene after his BMW collided with the couple’s motorcycle, dragging Kaveri Nakhwa for about 1.5 kilometers before halting. Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray visited the family of the victims in Worli to offer condolences amidst public outcry over the incident.