Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse: Bhinde Granted Bail Amid Controversy

Advertising firm director Bhavesh Bhinde received bail in connection with the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, despite being a prime accused. The collapse, which resulted in 17 fatalities, was attributed by Bhinde's defense to unusual weather conditions. Bhinde denied involvement, citing a political vendetta.

On Saturday, a court in Ghatkopar granted bail to Bhavesh Bhinde, director of an advertising firm and a key suspect in the hoarding collapse incident that claimed 17 lives. The decision was made by Judge V M Pathade, although full details of the ruling are pending.

Bhinde, represented by lawyer Sana Khan, argued that the collapse was an 'act of God' due to sudden weather changes, rather than negligence on his part. Khan further asserted that Bhinde was not a director at the time the hoarding was installed and that charges were politically motivated.

Prosecutors countered, accusing Bhinde of culpable homicide and emphasizing evidence of his involvement. The tragedy occurred when a massive hoarding crashed onto a petrol pump in Ghatkopar during unexpected winds and rain, killing 17, including notable figures such as the former general manager of Mumbai airport's Air Traffic Control and his wife.

(With inputs from agencies.)