Ghatkopar Hoarding Tragedy
• Sprouts SIT Investigation Unveils Negligence in Hoarding Approval Process
• Exclusive: Sprouts SIT Reveals Startling Truth Behind Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
The Sprouts Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered shocking details regarding the tragic hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar on May 13, 2024, which resulted in multiple fatalities and significant property damage. The investigation has raised serious questions about administrative lapses.
• The Incident: A Disaster in the Making?
The calamity unfolded when a massive 120’ x 140’ (on both sides) hoarding, totaling 33,600 sq. ft., erected on railway land near a BPCL petrol pump in Ghatkopar, collapsed due to strong winds. The colossal structure was reportedly built beyond permissible limits, violating guidelines that cap hoarding sizes between 80 and 200 sq. ft. for petrol pumps.
• Who Approved It?
The Sprouts Special Investigation Team has discovered that:
During the tenure of Khalid Quaiser as a Commissioner of Police (Railway-GRP) from February 16, 2021, to December 19, 2022, no permission was granted for such oversized hoarding.
The Quaiser had only approved digital hoarding in compliance with BPCL’s guidelines dated August 13, 2021, which restricted sizes to 200 sq. ft.
His last official act regarding the project was granted permission to shift a BPCL logo pole on December 19, 2022- his final day in office.
The decision to approve the 33,600-square-foot hoarding was made on February 7, 2023, by his successor, Ravindra Shishwe, after he had left office.
Documents Reveal BPCL’s Objections Were Ignored
Documents accessed by the SIT indicate that BPCL had raised concerns about the construction of the hoarding. However, these warnings were not properly addressed by the authorities responsible at the time. Despite its enormous size, the hoarding was not structurally reinforced to withstand extreme weather conditions, making it a disaster waiting to happen.
Also Read: Mumbai University’s Complicit Role in Protecting Fraudulent Teachers and Promotions.
• Political and Bureaucratic Cover-Up?
“This is a clear case of manipulation. The size of the hoarding was never determined during the former commissioner’s tenure. The approval for the 33,600-square-foot structure was sought and granted after his transfer. Yet he is being blamed while others walk free,” the Sprouts Team revealed.
• What’s Next?
The Investigation Continues
With growing public outrage over the incident, there are increasing demands for a transparent investigation into the approvals that led to the tragedy. Legal experts consulted by Sprouts News suggest that criminal negligence charges could be filed against those who sanctioned and executed the oversized hoarding.
The Sprouts SIT’s findings raise a fundamental question: Was this disaster a result of administrative negligence, or is there a larger cover-up at play?
• Pursuit of Justice
Sprouts’ Commitment to Unbiased Reporting Amid Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims await justice. Sprouts remains committed to providing factual information to its readers without bias or external pressure.
Unmesh Gujarathi
Editor in Chief
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