Suspended IPS Officer's Revelations on Ghatkopar Hoarding Crash Spark Investigation

Suspended IPS officer Quaiser Khalid has accused GRP commissioner Ravindra Shisve of neglecting complaints regarding the structural stability of an illegal billboard, which later collapsed, killing 17 people. Khalid claims he raised these issues through office notes and refused to approve an oversized hoarding, subsequently sanctioned by Shisve.

Suspended IPS officer Quaiser Khalid has made serious allegations against incumbent GRP commissioner Ravindra Shisve. According to Khalid's statement to an SIT investigating the Ghatkopar hoarding crash, Shisve ignored multiple complaints about the billboard's size and structural integrity.

Khalid, who sanctioned the original 200 square feet hoarding, cited BPCL objections and safety concerns but was overruled. Shisve allegedly allowed the construction of a mega 33,800 square feet billboard without verifying its stability, leading to the deadly collapse that killed 17 people in May this year.

The accusations are part of a SIT chargesheet in the Mumbai magistrate court, raising questions about administrative lapses and potential misconduct within the GRP. Political, social, and NGO groups also raised alarms, warning of the looming danger which tragically became a reality.

(With inputs from agencies.)