Ghatkopar hoarding case: Prime accused Bhavesh Bhinde seeks discharge

The Mumbai Police have opposed Bhinde’s discharge application, stating that there is substantial evidence to warrant a trial.

By  Storyboard18Dec 2, 2024 10:14 AM
Ghatkopar hoarding case: Prime accused Bhavesh Bhinde seeks discharge
Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, which erected the Ghatkopar hoarding that claimed 17 lives after it crashed on a petrol pump on May 13, moved the sessions court seeking discharge from the case.

The prime accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case filed a discharge application in the court seeking a relief from the trial. The court also granted bail to fourth accused Jhanvi Marathe, Former Director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd. Bhavesh Bhinde, the prime accused claimed that the hoarding crash was due an ‘Act of God’ and beyond human control.

The Mumbai Police despite his claims, have opposed Bhinde’s discharge application, stating that there is substantial evidence to warrant a trial. The matter will come up for hearing on Dec 7.

Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, which erected the Ghatkopar hoarding that claimed 17 lives after it crashed on a petrol pump on May 13, moved the sessions court seeking discharge from the case.

In his plea, Bhinde (50) stated that the incident was neither the result of any negligence nor mistake on his part, but was purely due to an unexpected natural disaster and an ‘Act of God,' which was beyond human control. He also denied that he failed to take the requisite permission from BMC to erect the hoarding. "…it is pertinent to note that this requirement does not apply in this case because the land belongs to the Railway Department.

The jurisdiction for permissions for structures on railway land lies with the Railway authorities, not the BMC," the plea said. The court directed the prosecution to submit its reply. The police alleged that despite being aware of the need for permission from BMC, the accused, in collusion with GRP and civic officials, illegally erected the hoarding.

However, Bhinde's discharge plea said that it was pertinent to note that the Railway Department sought a report from a former Bombay High Court judge. "…in that report, it is clearly mentioned by Justice… that the MCGM has no power to decide about hoarding erected on the property of railways and recover any tax or fee on the same. Inspection with regard to the stability of the structures of a hoarding etc. is being done by railways and, as such, the MCGM cannot recover any tax or fee… Therefore, it is crystal clear that the applicant (Bhinde) has not sought any permission from the MCGM because MCGM has no power and authority to look into the land of railways," the plea said.

First Published on Dec 2, 2024 10:14 AM

More from Storyboard18

How it Works

FSSAI notifies amendment to Food Product Standards, tightens norms for oils, sausages, colours

FSSAI notifies amendment to Food Product Standards, tightens norms for oils, sausages, colours

How it Works

India tech's gender gap persists in high-paying backend roles: Report

India tech's gender gap persists in high-paying backend roles: Report

How it Works

Meta hires two more Apple AI researchers after poaching their boss

Meta hires two more Apple AI researchers after poaching their boss

How it Works

Google sues China-based operators over BadBox 2.0 Android botnet

Google sues China-based operators over BadBox 2.0 Android botnet

How it Works

Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurate IICT Campus in Mumbai

Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurate IICT Campus in Mumbai

How it Works

Prasar Bharati, Maha Govt, MFSCDC join hands to develop creative media ecosystem in Malad

Prasar Bharati, Maha Govt, MFSCDC join hands to develop creative media ecosystem in Malad

How it Works

"One of the finest campuses of the country": Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s first IICT Campus in Mumbai

"One of the finest campuses of the country": Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s first IICT Campus in Mumbai

How it Works

YouTube Premium's muffled pitch: Why a "sound strategy" isn't converting in India

YouTube Premium's muffled pitch: Why a "sound strategy" isn't converting in India