Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) A high-level investigation committee has put forth its findings regarding the 2024 Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, recommending the filing of FIRs against police and municipal officials, along with advertisers and engineers. This recommendation comes in light of a "criminal conspiracy" and regulatory failures that resulted in 17 fatalities.

The report, presented in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday, pointed out the suspected role of certain police and municipal officials in allowing illegal hoardings. It stated that those neglecting to address these violations should be subject to legal and departmental actions.

Led by former Allahabad High Court chief justice Dilip B Bhosale, the committee's findings revealed that there was a clear collusion between private entities and officials to bypass the regulations set by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The committee has called for the filing of FIRs, the prosecution of offenders, and the recovery of costs incurred from them. It stressed that the police have an obligation to register FIRs under the Defacement Act when illegal hoardings are discovered.

On May 13, 2024, a massive iron hoarding fell on a petrol station in Ghatkopar during a dust storm, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and injuries to 74 others. In response to this tragedy, the state government instituted a committee to assess the responsibilities of those involved in the hoarding and the petrol station.

The panel asserted that offenders, including advertising agencies, should face criminal prosecution, hefty fines, and the immediate removal of unlawful structures, with costs being recuperated from them.

Moreover, it held structural engineers accountable, suggesting that those who issue "false or defective" stability certificates should be suspended and blacklisted for a duration of 3 to 5 years.

The committee proposed making beneficiaries of illegal hoardings—such as political figures displayed on these advertisements—primarily liable, including provisions for fines and prosecution under relevant statutes.

The report highlighted systemic failures, indicating that the collapse was fundamentally due to the inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.

It also pointed out that the hoarding in question exceeded permissible dimensions by over three times, in clear violation of BMC standards.

Referencing past directives from the Bombay High Court in different cases, the panel emphasized the need for strict adherence to judicial mandates concerning outdoor advertising management and enforcement.

To address regulatory loopholes, it recommended establishing a nodal agency tasked with ensuring consistent rules and coordinated actions among authorities like the BMC, Railways, and police, preventing offenders from taking advantage of jurisdictional overlaps.

Additionally, the report called for regular structural audits of hoardings, particularly in high-traffic and coastal regions, alongside stricter regulations concerning size, height, spacing, and prohibitions in sensitive areas to improve public safety.

The committee insisted on the prompt removal of illegal or unsafe hoardings and ongoing enforcement to avert the recurrence of such tragedies.