Investigations into the May 13 Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, which claimed 17 lives, have revealed that Govandi businessman Arshad Khan, an accused in the case, received a hefty Rs 1 crore from Ego Media Pvt Ltd to secure approval for the billboard. This revelation was made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the sessions court during Khan’s pre-arrest bail plea on Thursday.
The court, however, reserved its order until August 12, while a lookout circular has been issued against Khan, who is currently absconding. The SIT also informed the court that they are actively investigating Khan’s business venture, Mahapara Lucknowi Garments, in which Sumanna, the wife of suspended IPS officer Quaiser Khalid, is a partner.
Ego Media had erected the 140×140 sq ft hoarding on GRP land in Ghatkopar. The structure tragically collapsed due to strong winds on May 13, leading to the loss of 17 lives. In the wake of the incident, police have already arrested Ego Media Pvt Ltd director Bhavesh Bhinde, former director Janhvi Marathe, structural engineer Manoj Sanghu, and civil contractor Sagar Kumbhar.
Last week, Khan, represented by his lawyer Ranjit Patil, approached the sessions court seeking anticipatory bail. The SIT, in its statement, alleged that Khan received over Rs 1 crore from Bhinde and Marathe, stating that Khan’s custodial interrogation is crucial as they possess prima facie evidence of his involvement in the erection of the hoarding alongside the other accused.
The SIT further emphasized that Khan was in constant communication with Bhinde, which is why anticipatory bail should be denied. Their report highlighted the scrutiny of bank statements belonging to Ego Media and Gujju Advs, the company’s former name. These statements revealed that Khan received Rs 84 lakh between July 2021 and December 2023.
The money was transferred into 18 different bank accounts, which were subsequently withdrawn and handed over to Khan by the account holders. These individuals, in their statements, claimed no association with Ego Media or Gujju Advs. However, the SIT report pointed out that all the account holders are known to Khan and reside in his vicinity. Initial inquiries with Khan, according to the report, failed to provide satisfactory answers.
Furthermore, the SIT revealed that some of the money was transferred to Khan’s two relatives, who also failed to provide justifications for the transactions. Khan, in previous questioning, had claimed that he supplied branded goods and spectacles to Bhinde and received the payment for those transactions.
The SIT report concluded by mentioning that police had summoned Khan on July 21 and July 22, but he did not appear. His wife, Nazma, informed the police that Khan was unwell and out of town seeking medical treatment.
