In a major development in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, a sessions court recently granted bail to Janhavi Marathe, a former director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, on November 22. Marathe, who was the last accused still in custody, was associated with the company responsible for installing the hoarding that caused a tragic accident earlier this year.
The company owner, Bhavesh Bhinde, had already been granted bail in October, while two other accused were released in July. On the same day as Marathe’s bail, Bhinde filed a discharge application, asserting his innocence in the matter. The hoarding collapse, which occurred on May 13, led to the deaths of 17 people and injured 80 others. In his discharge plea, Bhinde claimed that he was not involved with Ego Media during the installation of the hoarding, as he became a director only after Marathe’s resignation in December 2023. He argued that he was being unfairly targeted in the case.
Bhinde also referred to a letter from the Commissioner of Police, Railways, issued on July 26, 2021, stating that since the hoarding was constructed on Indian Railways land, municipal regulations did not apply. He further attributed the collapse to unseasonal rains and severe winds with speeds reaching 96 kmph on the day of the incident. Despite his claims, the police have opposed Bhinde’s discharge application, stating that there is substantial evidence to warrant a trial. The case continues to attract attention as families of the victims await justice.
Over the years, Mumbai has witnessed several hoarding collapse incidents, highlighting concerns about structural safety and regulatory oversight. One such incident occurred in 2017 near Dadar, where a large hoarding fell during heavy rains, injuring multiple commuters. Investigations revealed that the structure lacked proper maintenance and was installed without adhering to civic body guidelines. Another case in 2019 in Andheri saw a billboard collapse on parked vehicles, causing significant damage but fortunately no casualties. These incidents underline the pressing need for stringent inspections, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety norms to prevent such accidents, especially in a city prone to heavy monsoons and strong winds.