Mumbai BMW Hit-and-Run Case Takes a Serious Turn
The prosecution in Mumbai has taken a significant step in the high-profile 2024 BMW hit-and-run case. On Monday, they submitted draft charges that include the stringent offense of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against Borivli businessman Mihir Shah, aged 24.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The case stems from a horrific accident in Worli on July 7, 2024. Around 5:25 AM, Pradeep Nakhwa, 51, and his wife Kaveri Nakhwa, 45, were traveling on their scooter to sell fish. On Dr. Annie Besant Road, a white BMW car allegedly driven at high speed and negligently struck their scooter.
The impact was severe. It threw both Pradeep and Kaveri onto the car's bonnet. Pradeep fell to the side of the road, but Kaveri became trapped between the car's bumper and front wheel. Shockingly, the driver did not stop. He dragged Kaveri for a distance of 1.5 to 2 kilometers.
After this gruesome act, the driver stopped the car, extricated her body, and sped away from the scene. Pradeep Nakhwa reported the incident to the Worli police station, setting the investigation in motion.
Accused and Their Actions
Mihir Shah was allegedly behind the wheel at the time of the accident. He then absconded and remained at large until his arrest on July 10, 2024. The prosecution claims the BMW was being driven at a very high speed and in a negligent manner.
Two other individuals face charges in this case. Mihir's father, Rajesh Shah, a former Shiv Sena functionary, was arrested soon after the incident but secured bail the following day. Their driver, Rajrishi Bindawat, is also an accused. Bindawat allegedly swapped seats with Mihir after the accident and was the one who dragged the body. Police arrested him on July 9, 2024.
Events Leading to the Accident
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Mihir Shah went drinking with friends at a Juhu pub the previous night. After dropping them home, he returned to his Borivli residence. He then decided to go for a drive in his BMW, heading towards south Mumbai.
During this drive, Mihir allegedly purchased four beer cans from a bar in Malad and consumed them. Police state the accident occurred in Worli as the BMW was returning from Marine Drive.
Following the hit-and-run, the BMW developed a technical problem and stalled at Kala Nagar in Bandra (East). Mihir Shah reportedly fled the scene in an autorickshaw. Bindawat remained with the vehicle. Rajesh Shah, Mihir's father, arrived at the spot. Police from Kala Nagar subsequently apprehended both Rajesh Shah and Bindawat there.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The court will now consider the draft charges submitted by the prosecution. It will hear arguments on these proposed charges before deciding whether to formally frame charges against Mihir Shah, Rajesh Shah, and Rajrishi Bindawat. The inclusion of culpable homicide not amounting to murder indicates the prosecution's view of the gravity of the alleged actions.
