Shiv Sena Alleges Mumbai Hoarding Tragedy Linked to Uddhav Thackeray's Camp

In a recent development that has stirred the political landscape of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena has implicated Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, in a tragic incident in Mumbai. Bhinde's advertising agency is at the center of controversy for allegedly installing a hoarding that collapsed in suburban Ghatkopar, resulting in the death of 14 individuals. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening amid gusty winds and unseasonal rains, also left 75 people injured. The hoarding, measuring 120x120 feet, was deemed illegal by civic officials.

Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant highlighted Bhinde's association with the Shiv Sena UBT faction led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. A photograph shared by Samant shows Bhinde alongside Thackeray, aiming to substantiate the party's claims about Bhinde's political affiliations. Despite his current absconding status, Bhinde is known to have wielded significant influence within the Sena UBT circles, initially tasked with the installation of hoardings across Mumbai.

Samant accused Bhinde of misusing his access to hoarding spaces allocated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for personal and political gains. According to Samant, Bhinde exploited these spaces to display greetings for Sena UBT leaders' birthdays and election campaigns illicitly. This misuse of public resources for political propaganda has raised questions about governance and accountability within the BMC.

Contrary to these accusations, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut refuted claims of his party's control over the BMC. He pointed out that for the past two and a half years, it is the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition that has been managing the civic body through an administrator. Raut suggested that Bhinde is merely a scapegoat in a larger political game, emphasizing the need to identify the real culprits behind the unauthorized hoardings.

The aftermath of the hoarding collapse has seen Bhinde facing severe legal repercussions. A case has been registered against him at the Pant Nagar police station for culpable homicide not amounting to murder among other charges under the Indian Penal Code. Furthermore, Samant disclosed that Bhinde has been implicated in as many as 21 cases related to erecting unauthorized hoardings and causing environmental damage.

This incident not only highlights the dangers posed by illegal structures but also underscores the intricate connections between politics and business interests in urban governance. As investigations continue, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability from those in positions of power and influence.