Bhavesh Bhide, the proprietor of a hoarding company and advertising agency, is under scrutiny for the illegal hoarding collapse tragedy in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. The incident, which resulted in the unfortunate demise of fourteen individuals, occurred during a dust storm and heavy rain, with winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km per hour.
According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), there were a total of 88 victims, with 74 individuals rescued and injured. The collapse took place at a petrol pump where around 150 vehicles were present at the time of the incident.
Ego Media, a hoarding company and advertising agency owned by Bhavesh Bhide, installed the billboards on GRP land. Following the collapse of the hoarding, the BMC has issued a notice to the company for its installation.
Who is Bhavesh Bhide?
Bhavesh Bhide serves as the director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, the advertising agency behind the collapsed hoarding incident in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. This illegal advertisement structure, weighing 250 tonnes, tragically caused the death of fourteen individuals and left several others injured.
In response, the BMC issued a notice to Ego Media Pvt Ltd, demanding the removal of eight illegal hoardings within 10 days under the threat of license cancellation for any hoardings across the 24 civic wards. The alleged illegal hoarding measured 120 x 120 square feet in size, while the approved limit by the BMC is only 40 x 40 square feet.
Why BMC let illegal hoarding stand at Ghatkopar?
The collapse of a massive hoarding in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area has left a devastating toll, with 14 fatalities and 74 injured individuals. Owned by Ajmera Realty & Infra India Limited, the hoarding, once celebrated as Asia’s largest, now highlights the imperative for safety protocols in such endeavors.
Despite the tragedy, questions arise as to why the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) failed to address the presence of the illegal hoarding. BMC’s assertion that they filed an FIR against Ego Media in 2023 shifts responsibility to the police, yet internal inquiries reveal discrepancies in communication and enforcement.
GRP Commissioner Ravindra Sisave acknowledges past authorization for the hoarding’s installation but denies receiving notices for penalties. This contrasts with BMC documentation indicating efforts to remove the illegal structure and hold Ego Media accountable.
The fatal incident, occurring when a 100-foot tall billboard collapsed onto a petrol pump, underscores the dangers posed by unauthorized structures. Mumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner Bhushan Gagrani emphasizes the illegality of the hoarding, noting multiple violations at the incident site.
Police Case Registered, BMC Issues Notice
An investigation is underway following the Mumbai billboard collapse, with the Mumbai Police registering a case against the advertising agency. Accused Bhavesh Bhide and others face charges under sections 304, 337, 338, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Additionally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notice to the agency, demanding the removal of eight hoardings across the city within the next ten days. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of licenses for any hoardings in the 24 civic wards. The tragic incident in Ghatkopar has led to a rising death toll, with over 70 people severely injured in the aftermath of the hoarding collapse.
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