Mumbai, May 18: Abdul Mujeeb, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maharashtra, and Shakir Sheikh, Assistant Secretary, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths caused by the billboard accident. On Friday, they visited the accident site and Rajawadi Hospital, where the injured are being treated. They lamented the lack of value placed on human lives, noting that enormous billboards are installed everywhere, many of which are illegal, constantly posing a risk of accidents.
Reports indicate that only a thousand billboards in Mumbai and its suburbs are legal, while the rest are installed illegally. The billboard involved in the accident was also illegal, measuring 120 feet by 120 feet and weighing 250 tons. Following the deaths of 16 people, the Additional Commissioner recognized the danger posed by such large billboards and ordered the removal of those larger than 40 by 40 feet. The Amir of the Jamaat stated that if this action had been taken earlier, this tragedy could have been averted.
Abdul Mujeeb demanded that the government provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims, criticizing the announced compensation of five lakh rupees per family as insufficient. Shakir Sheikh questioned whether the value of a human life is merely five lakh rupees. He urged the government to ensure complete treatment for the injured at good hospitals and to compensate their losses to prevent financial hardship for their families. He emphasized that compensation should be paid immediately without delays in legal formalities, highlighting that many of the victims were drivers and daily wage earners, with some being the sole breadwinners for their families.
Abdul Mujeeb also called for a thorough investigation of all billboards in the city and suburbs, with the removal of illegal ones and strict action against their owners. He expressed regret that even three days after the accident, the owner of the billboard had not been arrested.
