The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a landowner from Bhiwandi who was arrested last year following a residential building collapse that resulted in the favorths of eight individuals and injuries to more than 13 others in April. Indarpal Patil was arrested by the Narpoli Police Station in Thane on May 1, charged under sections 304(2), 337, 338, and 427 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The court, while granting bail to Patil, noted that the allegation regarding the installation of a mobile tower on the building's terrace without considering its structural stability was certified by the structural engineer, 'Unique Design,' on March 19, 2023. The court stated that the question of whether Patil had the necessary intention or knowledge to cause the victims' deaths, falling under section 304 of the Penal Code, would be determined during the trial.
Patil's counsel, Sana Raees Khan, argued that Patil had no involvement in the building collapse incident and that the allegations made by the prosecution regarding the building's construction without planning authority permission were incorrect. It was stated that the building was constructed with the prior permission of the Gram Panchayat Val, Tal. Bhiwandi, and the mobile tower was installed after obtaining a stability certificate from the consulting structural engineer. Khan further pointed out that a government inquiry revealed the building collapsed due to excess goods stored beyond its capacity, for which Patil was not responsible.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Tanveer Khan opposed the bail plea, citing the loss of eight lives in the incident and witness statements indicating negligence in necessary repairs and maintenance by Patil, leading to the building collapse.
Judge NJ Jamadar, in granting bail, emphasized that while the building collapse resulted in loss of life and injury, the question of Patil's complicity would be decided during the trial. Considering the completion of the investigation, Patil's community ties, and the remote possibility of evidence tampering, the judge exercised discretion in favor of granting bail.