The Mumbai Police successfully arrested Mihir Shah, who had been absconding since the hit-and-run incident in Worli. Shah is accused of driving the car that fatally struck a scooter on Dr. Annie Besant Road, killing a woman. Following the incident, Shah fled the scene, prompting the formation of 14 police teams to locate him. The hit-and-run occurred on Sunday when a speeding car, allegedly driven by Shah, collided with a scooter carrying Pradeep Nakhwa. Mihir Shah was taken into custody from Virar, near Mumbai, following extensive interrogation and the use of human intelligence and technological aids.
Legal proceedings
The arrest related to the incident registered under Worli Police Station, GR No. 378/2024, under sections 105, 281, 125 (B), 238, 324 (4) of the Indian Penal Code 2023, and sections 184, 134 (A), 134 (B) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Initial investigation and subsequent arrest were based on confidential informants and technical evidence.
Previous arrest
Another suspect, Raj Rishi Bidawat, was previously arrested on 07/07/2024 in connection with the same case and presented before the honorable court on 08/07/2024. The court had remanded him to police custody until 09/07/2024, and he has been further remanded until 11/07/2024 for continued investigation into the alleged offense.
Incident details
On Sunday, a hit-and-run incident in the Worli area of Mumbai resulted in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa. According to her husband, Pradeep Nakhwa, the tragedy occurred around 4 am as they were returning home from the fish hatchery. A speeding car hit them, causing Kaveri to be dragged from Ceejay House to Sea Link Road, resulting in her death.
Detainment of family members
Senior police sources confirmed that the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has detained the mother and two sisters of Mihir Shah, the prime accused in the Worli hit-and-run case. This move comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Court proceedings
Raj Rishi Bidawat, the driver arrested earlier in connection with the case, was presented in court today. The court has extended his police custody for an additional two days, allowing further interrogation and investigation.
Husband's account
Pradeep Nakhwa narrated the harrowing details of the incident, stating, "We were driving slowly when a car came at extreme speed and hit us. My wife was dragged under the wheels for a considerable distance. I tried to stop the car but couldn't. The driver fled the scene."
"He was arrested after 3 days, what does this mean? If he wasn't alcoholic, if he hadn't taken drugs, then why did he go into hiding?...why was he absconding for 3 days? You abandoned the vehicle on the way and broke the number plate before running away...now after 3 days, there won't be any traces of alcohol in his body and he will have 20 lawyers with him. We are poor, who will give justice to us? Today he went to jail, day after tomorrow he will be produced in court and he will get bail. The case will go on and on and everything will cool down. What will we do? From where will we arrange money and a lawyer? These party leaders will do nothing, this is the son of their leader only. he is a big person who can buy anyone...who is there on our side? Did Fadnavis or Shinde come to our house, to know what happened? Did Ajit Pawar come? They all have become blind in greed for power...they come to meet the public only to beg for votes and then they forget...for them, we public are waste material..."
"My mother should get justice. I want him (Mihir Shah) to get the death penalty. She (victim) was in a lot of pain, I saw her with my own eyes, in the hospital," said Amruta Nakhwa, daughter of the victim Kaveri Nakhwa.
Allegations of political influence
Nakhwa has alleged that Mihir Shah, the accused, is not being arrested due to his connections as the son of a political leader. He criticised the administration for the delay, suggesting that "politics" is at play and that Shah will not be arrested until the legislative session concludes.
Police investigation
The Worli Police informed the court that CCTV footage showed the accused dragging the deceased for 1.5 km. The footage also revealed that Mihir Shah called his father, who advised him to switch seats with another person to evade responsibility. Following this, Shah fled the scene.
Action by authorities
Earlier, the Mumbai Police have formed 14 teams to apprehend Mihir Shah, who remains at large. A lookout notice has been issued. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed concern over the rise in hit-and-run incidents and vowed that no one will be spared, regardless of their status or connections.
Arrests made
Rajesh Shah, Mihir's father, and Raj Rishi Rajendra Singh Vidawat were arrested for not cooperating with the police. The incident has raised significant public outcry, with many demanding swift justice for the victim.
Victim's identity
The victim, Kaveri Nakhwa, was identified as a 45-year-old resident of Worli Koliwada. She was riding pillion on a scooter driven by her husband, who is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
Official statement
A statement from the Mumbai Police detailed the incident and confirmed that the driver fled the scene after the collision. The police also noted that the luxury car involved in the incident belongs to a political leader from Maharashtra's Palghar district.
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