Major Pune Scam? Forged ATC Permissions Linked to High-Rise Construction Approvals
Pune, 20th April 2026: Allegations of a major irregularity in the city’s construction sector have surfaced, with claims that several high-rise buildings in Pune were approved using forged Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances, potentially posing risks to aviation safety and national security.
According to a complaint filed by Shiv Sena Pune city publicity head Anant Gharat, multiple construction permissions in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and PMRDA limits were granted based on an ATC communication dated November 17, 2020. However, subsequent correspondence reportedly indicated that these permissions should be treated as cancelled.
Gharat alleged that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that certain height clearances, including those issued on August 13 in Bibwewadi and March 3, 2020, in Ambegaon, were not valid approvals from the Ministry of Defence and were, in fact, fabricated. Further verification from the ATC headquarters in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, through a letter dated August 8, 2020, reportedly confirmed that at least one such permission was fake.
The complaint claims that several constructions, particularly in Bibwewadi, Sinhagad Road, and Ambegaon areas, received approvals on the basis of such questionable clearances. It also raises concerns about possible collusion involving developers, architects, and officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s building department.
Despite a written complaint submitted on April 6, 2026, to the Pune Municipal Commissioner and the Chief Engineer (Building), no concrete action has been taken so far, the complainant alleged, questioning the administration’s response.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Gharat said that ATC clearance is critical for ensuring aviation safety and that granting permissions based on forged documents could endanger national security. He pointed out the presence of sensitive installations around Pune, including defence establishments such as the National Defence Academy (NDA) and ordnance facilities.
The complainant has demanded immediate intervention and called on Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to order an inquiry into the matter.
Key demands include the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, registration of criminal cases against those responsible for submitting forged ATC documents, action under anti-corruption laws and relevant penal provisions, and immediate action against unauthorised constructions, including sealing or demolition. Administrative action against concerned officials has also been sought.
Gharat warned that if prompt and decisive action is not taken, Shiv Sena will launch an agitation over the issue.
