Bhavesh Bhinde, the prime accused in the Mumbai billboard collapse tragedy that killed 17 people, has a history of violating billboard erection rules, with over 100 notices and penalties issued against him. This suggests the disaster could have been prevented with prompt action. The incident has prompted a crackdown on illegal hoardings in cities like Mumbai, Noida, and Chennai.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse. The team has begun its probe by searching the residence of the primary suspect, Bhavesh Bhinde, and confiscating pertinent records. Bhinde reportedly maintains seven bank accounts across multiple banks. The police are investigating Bhinde’s acquisition of the hoarding contract and any earnings derived from it. Furthermore, the SIT has documented statements from officials connected with Bhinde’s company. In the wake of the tragic incident, where an illegally installed hoarding collapsed due to high winds, killing 16 individuals and injuring several others, the Mumbai Police have registered a case against Bhavesh Bhide and others under various IPC sections. The Noida Authority’s CEO, Lokesh M., has issued an order mandating structural audits of all overbridge installations, hoardings, and other locations to address public safety concerns and prevent future incidents.
Ten police teams from Mumbai and Gujarat are searching for Bhavesh Bhinde, the director of Ego Media, in connection with the tragic billboard collapse that killed 14 people in Mumbai. Bhinde has reportedly been on the run since the incident and has switched off all his phones.
