The Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch, probing the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse that resulted in the deaths of 17 people and injured 74, has recorded the statement of Government Railway Police (GRP), Police Inspector, Shahaji Nikam, who is also holding the charge of ACP Admin of GRP. Nikam’s statement was recorded over two consecutive days, during which he told the SIT that he was merely following the orders of his superior, the former GRP Commissioner, Quaiser Khalid. 

During its initial probe, the SIT found various irregularities and violations in granting Ego Media Private Limited permission to place hoardings. Officials noted that the first violation was that the land did not belong to the Railways, making it illegal to grant permission without being a licensed authority. Additionally, the contract awarded to the accused, Bhavesh Bhinde’s company was outside the tender process. Furthermore, the former GRP commissioner signed the final papers after receiving a transfer order and before handing over the charges to the next commissioner, which also deviated from proper procedure.