Death toll increases to 16 in Mumbai billboard collapse, owner of ad agency absconding

Two more victims were found under the debris at the site of a giant billboard collapse in Mumbai, taking the death toll to 16.

A giant billboard in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area collapsed due to a fierce rainstorm that hit the metropolitan city on Monday.

Over 70 people were also injured when the100-foot billboard came crashing on the fuel station located opposite.

A case has been filed against Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of Ego Media Private Limited, the company responsible for installing the massive hoarding. The billboard had previously earned recognition in the Limca Book of Records for being the “Largest Hoarding”.

The FIR was registered against Bhinde and others for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the IPC at Pant Nagar police station, an official said, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Reportedly, the owner is absconding since the incident took place and has switched off his phone. Mumbai, on Monday evening. was hit by a sudden and powerful dust storm which disrupted transport networks with local trains and airport services grinding to a halt in the face of the storm. 

The search and rescue operation at the site of the collapse in Ghatkopar continued even 40 hours after the incident and may continue for a few more hours.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Bhavesh Bhinde, has been accused of rape, with a case registered against him at the Mulund Police Station in January this year. Additionally, a chargesheet has been filed.

According to NDTV, which cited unnamed sources, reported that Bhinde secured numerous contracts from the Indian Railways and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for installing billboards and banners over the years. However, he has allegedly breached the regulations of both entities multiple times.