Mihir Shah, accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case, has received a big blow from the Supreme Court. The court made strict remarks while refusing to hear the bail. The allegations of drunk driving, dragging the woman for one and a half kilometers and absconding have made the case more serious.
The BMW hit-and-run case that took place in Mumbai’s Worli area not only ruined a family’s world, but also raised many serious questions before the justice system of the country. Now, taking a strict stand in this case, the Supreme Court has refused to hear the bail plea of accused Mihir Shah.
“Strictness is necessary in such cases” – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court bench of Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice AG Masih said in clear words that it is necessary to show strictness in such cases. The court remarked that “these boys need to be taught a lesson.” The court also said that the accused comes from a rich family, uses a luxury car and his family and political connections cannot be ignored.
Political connections also mentioned
During the hearing, the court also noted that Mihir Shah’s father was associated with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). Besides, the fact also came to light that the accused parks his luxury car like Mercedes in the shed, which reflects his social and economic status.
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Petition withdrawn after Supreme Court’s stance
Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Mihir Shah, argued that the Bombay High Court had given permission to file the bail petition after the testimony of the witnesses was recorded. However, after strong comments from the Supreme Court, the defense withdrew the bail plea, which was accepted by the court.
The morning of July 7 that changed everything
This tragic accident happened near Atria Mall, Worli at around 5:30 am on July 7, 2024. Pradeep Nakhwa and his wife Kaveri Nakhwa, living in Koliwada, were returning on scooty as usual after purchasing fish from Sassoon Dock. Then Mihir Shah’s speeding BMW which came from behind hit his scooter.
Woman kept dragging for one and a half kilometer
The scooter overturned after the collision. Pradeep somehow escaped by jumping, but Kaveri Nakhwa got stuck on the bonnet of the car. After this, she came under the car and was dragged on the road for about one and a half kilometres. During this time the accused neither stopped the vehicle nor helped. Critically injured Kaveri was taken to Nair Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
High Court: The accused was drunk, his behavior was also suspicious
Bombay High Court had refused bail to Mihir Shah on 21 November. The court had said that the accused was highly drunk at the time of the accident. The High Court also held that even after the collision, the accused did not stop the car and dragged the victim, which shows his criminal intentions and irresponsible behaviour.
Suspicion of evidence tampering
The High Court had said in its order that the actions of the accused after the incident were very serious. Changing seats with the driver, calling his father and fleeing from the spot, all indicate that the accused was trying to avoid arrest and legal action. This also increases the possibility of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses.
Alcohol in pub, questions on age also
Investigation by the Excise Department revealed that before the accident, Mihir Shah and his friends were drinking alcohol in a pub. According to the pub bill, 12 large pegs of whiskey were ordered, i.e. approximately four pegs per person. According to officials, this much alcohol can keep a person intoxicated for eight hours.
Accused of drinking alcohol with fake ID
The pub management alleged that Mihir Shah had shown a wrong identity card to drink alcohol. His age was mentioned in the ID as 27 years, whereas according to police records, Mihir’s actual age is 24 years. In Maharashtra, the legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 25 years, so this matter becomes even more serious.
accused in judicial custody
The driver of the accused, Rajrishi Bidawat, was arrested on the day of the accident. Mihir Shah was detained on 9 July 2024. At present, both Mihir Shah and his driver are in judicial custody and the hearing of the case is going on.
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