(Image source from: Instagram.com/bhavesh.bhinde)

Mumbai-based businessman Bhavesh Bhinde has received more than 100 notices and penalties for his company's illegal installation of a 14,400 sq ft hoarding in Ghatkopar. The hoarding collapsed last week during heavy winds and rain, killing 16 people and injuring 75 others. Officials claim that Bhinde and his company violated regulations for erecting billboards, making them the primary suspects in this preventable disaster. Fortunately, the incident has prompted authorities in Maharashtra and Chennai to take action against illegal hoardings. Bhinde fled after the collapse, but was eventually caught in Rajasthan's Udaipur after evading authorities for three days by changing locations and his name. He now faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, in addition to 23 prior charges, including rape, cheque fraud, and illegal tree cutting to improve visibility of his illegal billboards.

Concerns have been raised regarding previous contracts granted by the Indian Railways and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to build billboards and hoardings. Furthermore, the investigation into Ego Media Ltd, owned by Bhinde, has revealed questionable business practices. It has been reported that Bhinde took measures to avoid responsibility, such as appointing an associate as the company's director. However, he remained in charge of negotiating contracts, many of which are now being scrutinized for potential violations. In December of last year, Bhinde assumed the position of director after a dispute with the previous director. The collapsed hoarding was a record-breaking 120 x 120 feet, but the civic body only permits billboards up to 40 x 40 feet. The approval process for constructing the billboard is under question, as the civic body has denied granting permission. Bhushan Gagrani, the civic body chief, has ordered the removal of all "illegal" structures.

While the blame game continues over the recent collapse of a billboard in Mumbai, there are still questions surrounding the legality of the structure. Ego Media, the company responsible for building the hoarding, claims they had permission from the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Railways) despite the land being leased to the Government Railway Police. The GRP has denied responsibility, stating that they lack the equipment to remove such structures and have called on the city officials to act. The BMC has yet to provide a timeline for the removal of the hoardings. Meanwhile, there are concerns over the petrol station on which the billboard fell, as it reportedly did not have an occupancy certificate. The collapse occurred during a period of heavy rain and strong winds, with several other structures being impacted. In response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced an ex-gratia of ₹ 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the Ghatkopar collapse.