Billboard collapse in Mumbai's Ghatkopar Chedda Nagar; death toll reaches 14; case of manslaughter registered 

MUMBAI: The death toll has reached 14 in the incident where a 100-foot high board collapsed on top of a petrol pump in Ghatkopar's Chedda Nagar last day. 67 people were rescued from the wreckage of iron pillars. The rescue operation continued till yesterday evening. A case has been filed against the advertising company for setting up the board illegally.

Residents of the area said that they had filed a complaint earlier stating that the huge hoarding poses a danger. However, no action was taken. The collapsed hoarding was 120 feet long and 120 feet wide. Preliminary information is that it weighs 250 tons including pillars. BMC Commissioner informed that action has been taken against illegal hoardings. Corporation officials said that all billboards require permission from the municipal corporation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in the disaster.

More than 20 cases including rape

A case of manslaughter has been registered against Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of the advertising company that erected the board that caused the accident. The police informed that he has more than 20 cases against him, including rape. A search has been launched for him who is currently absconding. He had contested as an independent candidate from the Mulund constituency in the 2009 assembly elections. He had stated in his affidavit that 23 cases have been registered against him. A case of rape was registered against him at the Mulund police station in January and a charge sheet was submitted.

Officials said that over the years, he had taken several contracts from the Railways and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for putting up hoardings and banners and violated the law several times.