Prosecution Files Draft Charges in Worli Hit-and-Run Death Case
The prosecution has taken a significant step in the tragic Worli hit-and-run case. On Monday, they submitted draft charges against the accused individuals in court. This development moves the legal process forward in a case that shocked Mumbai residents.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, around 5:25 AM in Worli. Mihir Shah, a 24-year-old man, was allegedly driving a BMW car when he rammed into a two-wheeler. Pradip Nakhawa was traveling on that two-wheeler with his wife, Kaveri Nakhawa.
The collision had devastating consequences. Kaveri reportedly got stuck between the car's bumper and tire. The BMW driver allegedly dragged her for nearly two kilometers before she was flung onto the road. The 45-year-old woman suffered severe injuries and later succumbed to them.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
Additional Public Prosecutor Sachin Patil submitted the draft charges to the court. The primary charge against Mihir Shah falls under Section 105(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This section deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The maximum punishment for this charge ranges from ten years to life imprisonment. The draft charges also include other legal provisions. Section 281 of the BNS, covering rash and negligent driving, forms part of the prosecution's case. Relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act have been included as well.
Other individuals face charges in connection with this case. Rajesh Shah, Mihir's father, and Rajrishi Bindawat, their driver, have been named as accused. They face charges under Section 238 of the BNS for allegedly causing disappearance of evidence or providing false information.
Family's Quest for Justice
Kaveri Nakhawa's family has been actively seeking justice since the tragedy occurred. Her husband, Pradip Nakhawa, approached the Bombay High Court in 2025. He sought directions for the police to charge Mihir Shah under Section 103 of the BNS, which deals with murder.
Pradip told the court that he had written to the police requesting the murder charge. When he received no response, he turned to the high court for intervention. His petition argued that Shah's actions justified the murder charge. Specifically, he highlighted that Shah failed to stop after the collision and continued driving while dragging the victim.
High Court's Decision on Charges
The Bombay High Court delivered its order on September 23, 2025. The court dismissed Pradip Nakhawa's plea to add the murder charge. However, the court provided important clarification about the legal process.
The high court stated that it was not examining the merits of the case itself. Instead, it emphasized that the trial court possesses wide powers regarding charges. The trial court can alter or add any charge at any time before pronouncing judgment.
The court explained this power exists when some material with connection to the proposed charges is available. While acknowledging the seriousness of the alleged act, the court said it couldn't inquire into the matter under its current jurisdiction. The petitioner has adequate remedies available under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Current Status of the Accused
Mihir Shah remains behind bars at this time. The Supreme Court rejected his bail plea last month. The police had initially filed their chargesheet under Section 105(1) of the BNS, matching the prosecution's current approach.
The legal journey continues as the court processes these draft charges. The case highlights important questions about road safety, accountability, and justice for victims of traffic violence. Mumbai residents continue to follow developments in this heartbreaking case that claimed an innocent life on a Worli morning.
