Mumbai Railway Police has informed RTI Activist Anil Galgali that M/s Ego Media Private Limited, owned by Bhavesh Bhinde. Who is currently in police custody over the Ghatkopar hoarding incident,, has not paid dues of Rs 21.94 lakh from April 2024 till the incident.
RTI Activist Anil Galgali inquired about the payment and pending rent of hoardings in Ghatkopar and Dadar. by M/s Ego Media Pvt Ltd. The Mumbai Railway Police, after a month, provided information on the outstanding amount. From June 2022 to March 2024, M/s Ego Media Pvt Ltd paid Rs 2 crore 81 lakh 74 thousand 29. The fee is fixed at Rs 13,31,200 per month.
The fees for March 2024 were deposited in two cheques of Rs 10 lakh each, dated 6 May 2024 and 7 May 2024. Payment of Rs 3 lakh 31 thousand 200 for March 2024 has not been paid. The fees for April 2024 are also unpaid. A total of Rs 21 lakh 94 thousand 880 is outstanding till the incident on 13th May.
16 Lakh Dues of Dadar Railway Colony
Payment of hoarding fees at Dadar Railway Colony is also outstanding by M/s Ego Media Pvt Ltd. The outstanding from February 2024 to May 12, 2024, is Rs 16 lakh 4 thousand 936. The fee here is Rs 5 lakh 29 thousand 100 per month.
Delay in Payment of Fees
It became clear from the cheques issued by M/s Ego Media Pvt. Ltd. that, there was a delay in fee payment every time. Mumbai Railway Police has shown favour to M/s Ego Media Pvt Ltd. By not charging any interest on the pending amount, alleged Anil Galgali.
The Human Toll
17 people died and 75 were left injured. After an illegal hoarding bigger than the size of an Olympic pool collapsed on top of a petrol pump in Ghatkopar. The reason for the collapse was a weak foundation of the pillar. On which the billboard was supported, and dust storms across the city.
