Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Bombay HC dismisses accused's plea against arrest
The Bombay High Court has dismissed the plea of Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media Private Limited, who was arrested in connection with the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case. Bhinde had claimed that his arrest was illegal and sought immediate release. However, the court found no legal infirmity or impairment in the procedure of his arrest.
What Bhinde's plea said
Bhinde had requested that the FIR registered against him be quashed, arguing that the hoarding collapse on May 13, which resulted in 17 fatalities, was an "act of God." He also sought release on interim bail pending a hearing of his plea. To recall, Bhinde has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Bhinde's lawyer claimed illegal detention for a day
Bhinde's lawyer, Rizwan Merchant, argued that Bhinde was arrested from Udaipur on May 16 and then brought to Mumbai. However, he was officially shown as arrested only on May 17. Merchant claimed this indicated Bhinde was in illegal detention for a day. Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar countered this argument by stating that Bhinde was only apprehended in Rajasthan and officially arrested on May 17.
Bhinde blamed 'act of God' for hoarding collapse
Bhinde's company—Ego Media Private Limited—had erected the giant hoarding in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area that collapsed, killing 17 people and injuring over 70. He argued that the crash was an "act of God" and that he was not responsible. In his plea, Bhinde cited the India Meteorological Department's May 12 weather bulletin, claiming it did not forecast the severe dust storms and gusty winds that struck Mumbai. He attributed the hoarding collapse to these unexpected weather conditions, not construction faults.
Court dismisses Bhinde's plea after hearing both sides
The plea further stated that the hoarding was legally erected with all requisite permissions. However, state prosecutors alleged that Bhinde had changed his identity while he was absconding. The court was presented with photographs showing a drastic change in Bhinde's appearance when he was apprehended in Rajasthan and when he was arrested. After hearing both sides, the bench reserved an order, which was passed on August 9, dismissing Bhinde's plea.
