Police Intensify Efforts to Locate Key Witness in Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse Case

Mumbai police efforts to locate Arshad Khan, a key witness in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case that resulted in 17 fatalities, have been intensified. Despite multiple summonses from the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Khan has remained unresponsive, prompting further legal action.

The incident, which involved the collapse of a massive 140x120 feet hoarding in Ghatkopar, is being investigated thoroughly by the SIT. Arshad Khan, a crucial witness, was summoned to record his statement but has not appeared before the investigators. Efforts to locate Khan have been unsuccessful, as his residence is empty, and his phone remains switched off, raising concerns about his whereabouts.

It has been decided by the police to approach the court to issue a proclamation notice compelling Khan to appear. According to a senior officer, due to Khan's absence and his failure to respond to repeated summonses, a request will be made to the court to issue a proclamation notice for his appearance. If compliance is not achieved, he will be declared an absconder under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, with persistent non-compliance potentially resulting in the seizure of his property.

Suspicious financial transactions have been uncovered during the investigation. Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media, which operated the hoarding, admitted to giving post-dated cheques to Khan. Khan reportedly cashed these cheques through third parties, despite having no official connection to Ego Media, raising suspicions among investigators. Khan had previously claimed that he provided construction services to Ego Media and received payment for these services.

Four individuals, including Bhinde, have been arrested by the SIT so far. Two of the arrested individuals are currently out on bail. A chargesheet has been filed in the case, and a supplementary chargesheet is expected to be submitted soon. The commitment of the Mumbai police to pursue all necessary legal avenues to ensure Khan's cooperation in this critical investigation remains steadfast. The investigation seeks to bring justice to the victims of the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse.