Mumbai: The process of demolition of fugitive diamond businessman Nirav Modi’s Alibaug bungalow has started, the state government on Friday told the Bombay high court.

The high court had ordered action against unauthorised constructions at Alibaug in Raigad district. Advocate P.P. Kakade, who appeared for the government, told the court that the district collector had initiated action. “The process of demolition of Nirav Modi’s bungalow has also begun. However, since it is a huge bungalow, the structural engineer's opinion is being taken. The demolition will have to be carried out by way of controlled blasts,” he said.

A division bench of Justice N.H. Patil and Justice N.M. Jamdar was hearing a petition filed by activist Surendra Dhavale, seeking demolition of unauthorised constructions along the Alibaug coast. The high court last year ordered the collector to demolish unauthorised structures.

At last hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) which charged Modi with money laundering moved the HC, saying it had attached the bungalow so it should be heard in the matter. The ED’s lawyer Neha Bhide Friday told the court that the central agency had handed over the property to the collector but it was yet to shift some movable articles lying inside.

The court said it could not interfere as the demolition process was being carried out. “You (ED) can approach the collector and sort it out,” Chief Justice Patil said.