The Maharashtra government has suspended IPS officer Quaiser Khalid, the former Commissioner of Government Railway Police, for approving an illegal hoarding that collapsed in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, killing 17 and injuring over 70. The hoarding, erected without proper permission and found to be structurally weak, collapsed due to strong winds.
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.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 24-hour temporary water supply disruption in some parts of Ghatkopar, Bhandup, and Mulund. The water supply cut will be effective from 11.30 am of May 24 till 11.30 am of May 25 due to diversion work of an existing 1200 mm diameter water main along Mulund Goregaon Link Road (GMLR). Residents have been advised to store sufficient water for the duration of the shutdown and to use water cautiously. After the supply is restored, citizens are urged to boil and filter water for the next 4 to 5 days.
To ensure security during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Ghatkopar on May 15, the Mumbai police have issued traffic guidelines. Multiple routes, including LBS Road and Andheri Ghatkopar Link Road, will be closed for several hours. The roadshow, which starts at Shreyas Cinema and ends at Gandhi Market, will witness extensive security arrangements. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as the Eastern Express Highway and Western Express Highway.
In a tragic incident, a 16-year-old boy was killed in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai. Police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Rushikesh Gurav, for the crime. The victim had reportedly warned Gurav against meeting a girl from his locality, leading to a confrontation and the fatal attack.
