Bhavesh Bhinde, the main suspect in the Mumbai billboard collapse that claimed 17 lives, has faced numerous notices and penalties for violating billboard erection rules, with over 100 instances recorded against him, according to NDTV. It has come to light that his company illegally erected a massive 14,400 square foot hoarding in Ghatkopar, which succumbed to heavy rains and strong winds on the fateful day, injuring 74.
Authorities have acknowledged that these notices and penalties related to illegal billboard installations could have prevented the preventable disaster if timely action had been taken. The incident has spurred municipal authorities in cities like Mumbai, Noida, and Chennai to intensify their efforts against illegal and oversized hoardings.
Following a 72-hour manhunt, the absconding director of the advertising firm responsible for installing the billboard was apprehended in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He is currently in police custody until May 26. Investigations have revealed that after the collapse, Bhavesh Bhinde fled Mumbai to Thane, Ahmedabad, and finally Udaipur in an attempt to evade arrest while disguising his identity.
It is noteworthy that the Mumbai businessman had previously faced 23 charges, including cheque fraud and illegal tree felling. On May 22, the Mumbai Crime Branch established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the hoarding collapse incident. The official statement confirmed the formation of the SIT and its mandate to investigate the matter. The SIT has examined Bhavesh Bhinde’s residence and seized crucial documents, uncovering that he maintains a total of seven bank accounts in various banks.
