Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued an ultimatum to the State Government, setting a deadline of August 5 for a decision on whether the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will take over the Ram Jhula hit-and-run accident case. This directive comes in response to a petition filed by Shahrukh Zia Mohammad, seeking a transparent investigation.
The incident in question involves Ritika alias Ritu Maloo, who allegedly drove her Mercedes car recklessly under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a collision with an Activa scooter carrying two persons on February 25. Both riders, Mohd Hussain Gulam Mustafa and Mohd Ateef Mohd Zia, suffered fatal injuries—one died on the spot, and the other succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.
The petitioner has raised concerns about the initial police response, accusing them of mishandling evidence and aiding the escape of the accused and her accomplice. There was a six-hour delay in taking the blood samples to avoid detecting alcohol in the accused’s blood. A complaint was submitted to the Commissioner of Police, but no action was taken, claimed the petitioner.
During the hearing before Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Vrushali Joshi, the court emphasized that the deadline for the State’s decision is final and will not be extended further. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the Tehsil Police’s handling of the case lacked transparency and called for the investigation to be transferred to the CID for impartiality.
Hearing Held in Sessions Court for Maloo’s Arrest*
A hearing took place at the Sessions Court before Judge SU Hake over the revision application submitted by Tehsil Police to arrest Ritika alias Ritu Maloo in connection with the case. Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Rashmi Khaparde, appearing on behalf of the State, advocated for the immediate arrest of Ritika Maloo. Citing various judgments of High Courts and Supreme Courts, Khaparde emphasized the urgency of bringing Maloo into police custody. The defense countered the prosecution’s stance. Following Monday’s proceedings, the court has scheduled the continuation of arguments on Tuesday.
