In a significant development in the Worli hit-and-run case, a sessions court has ordered that the main accused, Mihir Shah, son of former Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Rajesh Shah, and his driver Rajrishi Bidawat be tried for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The court on Wednesday formally framed charges against both accused.
The court also rejected Rajesh Shah’s plea seeking discharge from the case and framed charges against him for allegedly destroying evidence. The accident had left a motorcyclist injured and resulted in the death of his wife, who was riding pillion.
Additional Sessions Judge Anil Salunkhe observed that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a trial against Mihir Shah and Bidawat on charges of culpable homicide, as well as under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. The judge further held that there was enough material to try Rajesh Shah for destruction of evidence.
According to the prosecution, on the early morning of July 7, 2024, Mihir Shah was allegedly driving a luxury BMW car under the influence of alcohol in Worli when he rammed into a two-wheeler. The impact threw rider Pradeep Nakhwa and his wife Kaveri Nakhwa onto the road, causing serious injuries.
Instead of stopping to help the victims or taking them to a hospital, Mihir allegedly dragged Kaveri Nakhwa for nearly 1.5 kilometres. She sustained severe injuries and later died.
Following the incident, Mihir Shah fled the scene and was arrested three days later. Mihir and Bidawat remain in judicial custody, while Rajesh Shah had earlier been granted bail by a lower court. While rejecting Mihir’s bail pleas, both the High Court and the Supreme Court had strongly criticised his conduct after the accident and observed that he did not deserve bail.
Father Accused of Helping Son Evade Arrest
Rajesh Shah, who is accused of helping Mihir escape after the accident, had sought discharge from the case, claiming innocence and arguing that he had cooperated with investigators. He also contended that he had neither destroyed evidence nor had Mihir intended to cause the accident or anyone’s death.
The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing that Rajesh was aware that Mihir was intoxicated and had committed a serious offence, yet deliberately helped him evade arrest and medical examination.
Agreeing with the prosecution’s argument, the court noted that the evidence collected during the preliminary investigation suggested Rajesh Shah knowingly assisted his son despite being aware of the gravity of the offence. The court observed that his actions appeared intended to help destroy evidence and consequently rejected his discharge application.
Also Read: Navi Mumbai: Three Minor Girls Drown in Jasai Lake in Uran