On Monday evening, a massive hoarding collapsed in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, killing 16 people and injuring 74 others. The 120×120-foot billboard, exceeding the permissible size of 40×40 feet, was installed by Bhavesh Bhinde’s Ego Media Pvt Ltd. Despite being erected on a 10-year lease, the hoarding fell during unseasonal rain and strong winds, trapping nearly 100 people at a busy petrol pump.
On Thursday, Mumbai Police arrested Bhinde under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Bhinde had fled the city, prompting the formation of over 10 police teams to trace him.
Bhinde faces additional legal troubles, with a rape and molestation case filed against him in January, for which he secured anticipatory bail. Another case of cheating was registered in 2016, and he has 21 prior cases of fines under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. Bhinde also contested the 2009 assembly elections as an independent candidate from Mulund constituency.
