In the tragic billboard collapse incident in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, the death toll has risen to 16, with 74 injured. NDRF operatives uncovered two more bodies from the rubble on Wednesday. Amid Monday's stormy conditions with unexpected rain, a 100-foot billboard toppled over on a petrol station. Further investigations have spotlighted 23 criminal cases against Bhavesh Bhinde, the accused in the billboard accident, encompassing grave accusations like rape for which he has been arrested.
Following the incident, Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of the advertising agency responsible for the hoarding, is believed to be on the run. He is currently booked under IPC section 304 (culpable homicide) at Pantnagar police station. In January, Bhinde had been arrested on rape charges at Mulund police station but was subsequently released on bail.
Bhavesh Bhinde Previously Contested State Assembly Elections
Police reports state that Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of Ego Media, once contested the Maharashtra State Assembly elections as an independent candidate. Though he lost the election, his affidavit revealed 23 cases registered against him under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act and Negotiable Instruments Act, highlighting a substantial influence that has apparently helped him evade police detention in numerous instances. Since the billboard tragedy, Bhavesh's whereabouts are unknown, and his phone remains switched off.
Source: aajtak
Bhavesh Bhinde initially ran a company called Guju Ads, facing several criminal charges leading the municipal corporation to blacklist it. He later established Ego Media, securing new contracts under this company's name. Bhavesh Bhinde also faces charges of illegal tree felling.
Questions Raised Over Illegal Hoardings
As per BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, another of Bhavesh's companies was blacklisted by Indian Railways Commercial Department following numerous complaints of illegal billboards. He queried the authorization given by a police officer when the city's civic body holds the jurisdiction. Former MP Somaiya claimed if the former police chief had been more stringent, such hazardous billboards would never have surfaced.
Despite authorities earlier claiming to have issued notices to Ego Media Pvt. Ltd. regarding the fallen hoarding, a civic officer mentioned that immediate steps to dismantle these structures had been ordered. Additionally, a compelling recovery operation was conducted, but lingering concerns about safety, especially considering the presence of underground fuel stores at the petrol station, remained paramount.
Government Pledges to Investigate
Notably, business tycoon Anand Mahindra deemed such catastrophes unacceptable for a modern metropolis like Mumbai. Chief Minister Shinde ordered a thorough examination of all billboards and stringent actions against those accountable for illegal and perilous signage. He announced a compensation of 5 lakh rupees for the kin of each individual who perished in this unfortunate event.
