The investigation into the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse in Mumbai that occurred in the past has now revealed that the company that owned the “illegal” hoarding had several alleged “money transactions” connecting it to a business partner who was a wife to a senior police officer.
The structure was placed by Ego Media Private Limited. In December 2022, a report was leaked with GRP commissioner Quaiser Khalid letting the company set up the structure without seeking permission from the Maharashtra police chief. Khalid has since sent word that he is merely being used as a “scapegoat” for the incident that resulted in the death of 17 persons and the crippling of over 60 others.
The provisional findings by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Police reveal that Ego Media remitted ₹46. 39 transactions in 10 accounts over fiscal 2021-22, the volume rose to 5 lakh.
The money is believed to have been withdrawn by an individual named Arshad Khan, who is also a co-director in Mahpara Garments Private Limited, wherein Summit Group’s director Sumanna Quaisar Khalid, wife to IPS officer Quaiser Khalid, is also a co-director.
The SIT has also interviewed a BMC engineer who purported to have made false statements to Ego Media concerning issuing a positive report on the hoarding. Until this report is filed, four individuals have been arrested by police in the case.
