Owner of illegal Ghatkopar hoarding involved in rape case earlier this year: Report

A report by Indian Express has said the owner of the massive illegal hoarding that collapsed on a petrol pump on Monday in the Ghatkopar area following a powerful dust storm was booked by Mumbai police in a rape case earlier this year.

Bhavesh Prabhudas Bhinde, the owner was booked by Pant Nagar Police in the illegal hoarding case on Monday night. Over 10 people lost their lives and dozens were injured after the incident.

The news outlet, citing court orders said, Bhinde was booked in a rape and molestation case and a case was registered with the Mulund police station on January 24 this year.

The Bombay High Court granted Bhinde anticipatory bail.

Also, the owner had contested as an Independent candidate in the 2009 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Bhinde then disclosed 21 instances where he was fined for putting up banners without permission under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act.

Meanwhile, at least 14 persons died, and 74 suffered injuries after a 100-feet-tall illegal billboard fell at a petrol pump in the Chheda Nagar area of Ghatkopar during dust storms and unseasonal rains that lashed the city on Monday.

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