Mumbai Hoarding Collapse: Second Accused Structural Engineer Remanded To Policy Custody Till June 5th

The second accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding case, arrested from Mulund, has been remanded to police custody until June 5 after a court hearing. Additionally, the session court has denied anticipatory bail to Janhavi Marathe.

According to police reports, Manoj Sanghu was sent to police custody following his court appearance. Sanghu’s lawyer, Devanand Manerkar, opposed the custody, arguing that Sanghu merely designed the hoarding and never visited the site. However, the police cited Sanghu’s involvement, noting that despite being aware of BMC regulations, he issued a structural stability certificate. His arrest aims to uncover the reasons behind his actions.

Sanghu, a BE Civil Engineer, is under investigation for his credentials and the BMC's recognition process. Authorities are probing whether all procedures were followed to obtain his certification.

Also Read: Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse Case: Crime Branch Summons Mumbai GRP ACP Shahaji Nikam

Sanghu issued the stability certificate on April 24, 2023, typically valid for 2-3 years. An official claimed the certificate was illegal and against regulations, including the specified size. Given Sanghu's status as a BMC-approved engineer, he was fully aware of the laws.

Investigations also revealed that the BMC had sent a property tax notice for the location of the hoarding in Ghatkopar for 2015-2020, addressed to the railway administration. The crime branch plans to summon BMC and GRP officials for questioning.

The police intend to question Janhavi Marathe, former director of Ego Media Private Limited. Marathe sought anticipatory bail in the Mumbai session court to avoid arrest, but the court denied her request. The police argued that the hoarding’s paperwork was completed during Marathe’s tenure (2020 to December 2023). Bhavesh Bhinde, already arrested, succeeded Marathe as director. The permission letter to the GRP also bore Janhavi's signature.

On May 13, the collapse of a hoarding in Ghatkopar resulted in the death of 17 people. The contract to install this hoarding was awarded to Ego Media Private Limited. Permission was granted for an 80x80 feet hoarding, but a 120x120 feet hoarding was installed. The first arrest in this case was made by the Mumbai Crime Branch on May 16 of Bhavesh Bhinde, who is now in judicial custody.