Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: A year later, scant justice delivered

The Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident, which killed 17 persons and injured 80, completes one year on Tuesday, but no concrete action has been taken against the officials involved in the case.

- Yogesh Naik

MUMBAI:

On May 13, 2024, the oversized hoarding located at a petrol pump on the Eastern Express Highway came crashing down in the gusty winds accompanying pre-monsoon rains. It fell on people waiting in their vehicles at the petrol pump as well as scores of others who had taken shelter there. The incident stirred huge outrage, and the ruling Mahayuti and government officials promised stringent action against the officers responsible for allowing the hoarding.

The Justice Dilip Bhosale Commission, which was set up by then chief minister Eknath Shinde after the government faced a backlash, handed in its report to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis last week. When questioned on the status, Maharashtra additional chief secretary (home) IS Chahal said, "Justice Dilip Bhosale gave the report on May 7, and I have been on leave from May 4."