In a significant development in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, a Mumbai magistrate court issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Arshad Khan, a key witness who has failed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The incident, which occurred on May 13, resulted in the tragic deaths of 17 people and left 74 others injured after an illegally constructed hoarding by Ego Media Pvt. Ltd. collapsed on a petrol pump.

The Case Against Arshad Khan

Arshad Khan, who is reportedly the business partner of the wife of suspended IPS officer Quaiser Khalid, has become a crucial figure in the investigation. Khan's involvement came to light when it was revealed that he had allegedly facilitated permissions for the illegal hoarding through his connections with Government Railway Police (GRP) officials and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The hoarding, originally approved at a size of 40x40 feet, was illegally expanded to a massive 140x120 feet, far exceeding the permissible limits.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has already arrested four individuals, including Bhavesh Bhinde, the director of Ego Media, and Manoj Ramkrishna Sanghu, a BMC-approved civil engineer who provided a stability certificate for the oversized hoarding. Khan’s involvement is under intense scrutiny due to suspicious financial transactions linked to the hoarding project. He allegedly used bank accounts of multiple individuals to launder over ₹55 lakh, raising further suspicion about his role in the conspiracy.

Court Orders and Legal Actions

Khan's repeated failure to respond to police summons led the SIT to seek a non-bailable warrant against him. His anticipatory bail plea was recently rejected, prompting the issuance of the NBW. The police have also issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) to prevent Khan from fleeing the country. If Khan continues to evade the authorities, the police plan to initiate proceedings under Sections 82 and 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to declare him an absconder and attach his property.

The investigation has revealed that Khan had received multiple blank cheques from Ego Media, which he deposited in various accounts. These financial dealings, coupled with his apparent lack of any formal connection to Ego Media or the hoarding business, have made his testimony critical to unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Investigations

The Ghatkopar hoarding collapse has not only exposed the illegal practices within the advertising industry but has also highlighted potential corruption within the GRP and BMC. The involvement of high-ranking officials, including the suspended IPS officer, has raised serious questions about the integrity of public servants and the enforcement of safety regulations.

As the SIT continues its investigation, the focus remains on apprehending Khan and ensuring that all individuals involved in the tragedy are held accountable. The case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of illegal construction and the need for strict adherence to safety standards.

The collapse has led to a broader examination of other hoardings across Mumbai, with authorities now under pressure to reassess permissions and ensure compliance with regulations to prevent further disasters.