Petrol pump on which Mumbai billboard fell didn't have clearance
The petrol pump in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where a billboard collapsed on Monday, killing 16 and injuring over 40 others, did not have an Occupancy Certificate (OC), reports said on Thursday. The OC is issued by municipal bodies to confirm that a building complies with all relevant laws, building codes, and regulations. After this relevation, authorities have expanded their investigation to include the permit status of the petrol pump.
Investigation broadens to include licensing status
In Mumbai, businesses like petrol pumps need licenses sanctioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Temporary licenses were granted for constructing petrol pumps on Government Railway Police (GRP) sites. However, it is now under investigation whether the necessary operational license was obtained for this particular pump. The land where the pump operates falls under the housing department's jurisdiction and requires approval from the Revenue Department for commercial use.
Commercial activities under scrutiny
The lack of clarity on how commercial activities were approved at the petrol pump site without obtaining permissions from the Revenue Department has sparked inquiries. The Police Housing Development Corporation raised objections to construction activity at the site, arguing that this land was designated for government infrastructure or residential purposes for government employees. Despite these objections and recommendations against constructing petrol pumps on such lands, work began without securing governmental approvals.
Charges filed against billboard owner
Police have registered a case against Bhavesh Bhinde, the director of the advertising agency that owns the billboard under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC, In addition to this case, there are two other cases registered against Bhinde in Mulund for rape and molestation, and cheating.
Search on for billboard owner
At least 10 teams have been mobilized to locate Bhinde, with the latest lead tracing his whereabouts to Lonavala. Bhinde reportedly turned off his phone and left the city immediately after learning about the first death from the billboard collapse. In response to growing concerns, Maharashtra's Home Minister has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this case and assigned responsibility to a DGP-ranked officer.
