Mumbai: The investigation into the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse tragedy has entered a crucial phase, with suspended IPS officer Kaiser Khalid now facing additional corruption charges. Acting on a detailed report submitted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Mumbai Police has added sections under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) to the FIR, signaling a deepening of legal troubles for the senior officer.
According to senior officials, the ACB report contains substantive findings indicating misconduct and rule violations, prompting the inclusion of Section 13 (criminal misconduct) of the PCA. Officials also confirmed that the required sanction under Section 17A of the Act has been obtained, allowing investigation into actions taken by Khalid during his service tenure.
17 Dead and 80 Injured in the May 13 Ghatkopar Tragedy
The development comes months after the May 13, 2024 disaster, when a giant illegal hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump in Ghatkopar during a dust storm, killing 17 people and leaving over 80 injured.
Initially, the case was registered under sections related to negligence. However, as the probe progressed, investigators found that the collapse may be linked to corruption, illegal permissions, and procedural violations, widening the scope of the FIR.
Officials stated that additional names may be added to the chargesheet as the case moves forward.
ACB Finds Rule Violations in Permission Granted to EGO Media
The Crime Branch’s report to the State Home Department indicates that Kaiser Khalid, then Commissioner of Mumbai Railway Police, allegedly ignored rules and tender norms while granting permission to EGO Media to erect the hoarding on Railway Police land.
Evidence of criminal misconduct was reportedly found, strengthening the case for including corruption charges.
Charges of Payments and Favouritism Emerge
The ACB report also references explosive allegations by businessman Mohammad Rais Khan, who claimed he paid ₹30 lakh to a company linked to Khalid’s wife. He also alleged that he covered Khalid’s expenses during the officer’s stay at his hotel in the United States.
Meanwhile, Arshad Khan, accused of receiving ₹84 lakh from EGO Media, was arrested earlier in Lucknow. Investigators believe the money trail may be key to establishing the flow of illegal payments and favouritism.
Officials said the investigation is progressing rapidly, and the possibility of stringent action against all accused, including senior officers, has increased significantly.
