The Mumbai Police has arrested a 47-year-old structural engineer accused of issuing a stability certificate for the giant billboard that collapsed on a fuel station in Ghatkopar, killing 17 people and injuring 75 others. The engineer, employed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was apprehended by the Mumbai Police's crime branch.
An official revealed that the foundation for the 120x140-foot hoarding should have been at least 20 feet deep but was found to be superficial and substandard, as per a media report. Despite this, the engineer issued a stability certificate instead of raising objections. He was scheduled to be presented in court on 31 May.
Previously, the Mumbai Police also arrested Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of the advertising agency responsible for installing the hoarding which later collapsed. Bhinde is currently in judicial custody. Authorities have registered a case under IPC sections 304-2 (causing death with the knowledge that one's actions may lead to it), 338 (endangering life or personal safety), and 34 (common intention) against the directors and officials of Ego Media and other involved parties.
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