Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse: A horrific incident unfolded in Mumbai on Monday when a massive billboard collapsed during a sudden dust storm, claiming the lives of 14 people. The tragedy has cast light on the issue of illegal hoardings in the city, with finger-pointing directed towards the advertising agency responsible.
BJP Leader Blames Ego Media and Bhavesh Bhide
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has accused Bhide of being careless and stated that Ego Media is to blame for the construction of more than twenty unlawful hoardings in Mumbai. Talking to ANI, Kirit Somaiya said, “Bhavesh Bhinde (Ego Media), responsible for this incident, has absconded with his family. I have demanded the police to declare him a fugitive. Bhavesh Bhinde’s Ego Media has made more than 2 dozen illegal hoardings… I have demanded Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde & Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis, to thoroughly inspect and remove all the illegal hoardings, that were put up in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in Mumbai…”
Previous Complaints and Police Action
Somaiya has long voiced concerns over unlawful hoardings. He had already sent a complaint to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) against Ego Media, which resulted in the advertising firm receiving a notice. In the wake of the fall, Bhavesh Bhide and his firm have been charged with many offences under the Indian Penal Code, including culpable murder. There are rumours that he is linked to the Uddhav Thackeray group.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
14 individuals lost their lives in the tragic disaster, while several more were injured. The enormous billboard crashed onto a gas station due to the strong storm, trapping several people below. At least 74 injured persons were reportedly brought to hospitals as a result of the nightlong rescue efforts.
