The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has, for the first time, revealed that a substantial payment was made to one Arshad Khan to secure the contract for a 120 ft x 140 ft hoarding in Ghatkopar, which collapsed on May 13, killing 17 people and injuring more than 80. According to the SIT, the payment was made by the director of EGO Media, following instructions allegedly given by former GRP commissioner Quaiser Khalid. This information has been included in the charge sheet.

In a recent response to the sessions court, while opposing Arshad Khan’s anticipatory bail application, the crime branch claimed that Khan received more than R1 crore from EGO Media. They have uncovered transaction details showing that Rs 84 lakh were transferred to 18 different accounts, which was later withdrawn by Khan, who is currently untraceable. The court’s decision on his anticipatory bail application is still pending.