The main accused in the Mumbai hoarding collapse that occurred in Ghatkopar in May has been granted bail by a Mumbai court.

Bhavesh Bhinde, the advertising director of the firm that put up the large hoarding, was accused of erecting it illegally on railway land. The collapse, which took place on May 13 during heavy rains, resulted in the tragic loss of 17 lives.

Bhinde’s advocate Sana Khan argued that the collapse was an “act of God” and that Bhinde was being implicated out of political vendetta, and also mentioned that he was not the firm’s director when the hoarding was installed. 

To which, the prosecution opposed, stating they had sufficient evidence against Bhinde.

After hearing the arguments, Additional Sessions Judge V M Pathade granted Bhinde bail on Saturday.

What happened?

A gigantic advertising hoarding erected by Ego Media Pvt Ltd collapsed onto several homes and a petrol pump in Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar, around 4.15 pm. The incident had  claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including the former general manager of Mumbai Airport’s Air Traffic Control and his wife.

Bhavesh Bhinde, the director of the advertising agency, was accused of illegally erecting the hoarding on railway land by Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC).