Nagpur: In the ongoing Ram Jhula accident case, where key accused Ritika Maloo’s Mercedes fatally struck two youths, the Sessions Court on Friday once again adjourned the hearing to August 20. The court was occupied with other significant cases until late afternoon, leaving little time to address the Ram Jhula case. The brief session eventually concluded with both the prosecution and defence agreeing to the new date.
Despite the numerous delays, Mohd Atik, the elder brother of deceased Mohd Atif, continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to securing justice for his brother. Since the tragic incident on February 25, when Atif and his friend Mohd Hussain Mustafa were killed by the speeding car driven by Maloo, Atik has spent more time in courtrooms and corridors than at home, enduring the long waits and repeated adjournments.
On Friday, August 16, Atik’s resolve was once again tested as he left the court with a heavy heart after another adjournment. “The court seemed too busy with a lot of matters. We need to convince the Principal District Judge that we have already waited for more than six months for justice. We are not casting aspersions on any court, but justice needs to be expedited,” Atik said, reflecting his growing frustration with the prolonged process.
Earlier in the day, Public Prosecutor Rashmi Khaparde and Advocate Jaltare arrived at the court post-lunch, anticipating their arguments would be heard soon. However, the court’s preoccupation with other cases led to the late adjournment.
The next hearing is now scheduled for August 20, leaving Atik and his family to endure yet another wait in their quest for justice.
The Sessions Court has already rejected two revisions of the prosecution which were filed against the order of JMFC declining to allow police to arrest Maloo. JMFC had even termed police arresting Maloo as ‘unlawful’ compelling the revision which was turned down too on the technical grounds.
In the past, Sessions Court and High Court had back-to-back rejected Maloo’s anticipatory bail pleas, but procedural lapses did not allow police to take Maloo into custody for interrogation. The case is now pending for more than six months for want of custodial interrogation of Maloo who repeatedly dodged police with legal help on procedural lapses.
