Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday transferred the investigation of high-profile Ram Jhula accident case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with a direction that the investigation shall be monitored by a senior officer of the State CID not below the rank of ACP or SP, and he shall take weekly review of the progress of the investigation.
“One of the reasons for transfer is to do justice between the parties and to instil confidence in the society. In conclusion we are not satisfied about the mode and manner in which the local investigating agency had worked, and therefore, as an exceptional situation we are inclined to transfer the investigation to State agency with a hope and trust for impartial, fair and truthful investigation,” Justice Vinay Joshi and Justice Vrushali Joshi stated in the order.
Today’s Rate
Friday 22 Nov. 2024
The accident occurred on February 25, 2024, when a Mercedes, driven by Ritika alias Ritu Dinesh Maloo, struck and killed two persons– Mohammed Atif and Mohammed Hussain– on Ram Jhula. The accident reportedly occurred around 12.30 am while Ritu Maloo was allegedly intoxicated. The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the Tehsil police’s handling of the case has been deeply flawed.
Shahrukh Zia Mohammad, the brother of the deceased Mohammed Atif, has accused the police of severe negligence. They alleged that PSI Parashuram Bhaval of the police station and the first officer to arrive at the scene, failed to arrest Maloo and her companion, Madhuri Shishir Sarada, despite the apparent severity of the situation. Instead, it is claimed that Bhaval allowed them to escape and even contacted the accused’s husband with promise to manage the situation.
The High Court’s scrutiny revealed a series of irregularities, including delays in registering the case, conducting a medical examination, and performing a spot panchnama. The car involved was only seized on April 15, and it was later returned to the garage without the court’s permission, a month later on May 25.
The petitioner expressed grave concerns that the initial police investigation was compromised by potential external influences due to Ritu Maloo’s financial standing. The petitioners requested the intervention of the CID to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation. On August 22, the High Court reserved its decision on the petition.
During the hearing, Justices Vinay Joshi and Vrushali Joshi ruled in favour of transferring the case to the CID and directed that a police officer of Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police rank from the CID to conduct the investigation. The court also directed for weekly progress reports to senior CID officers to ensure transparency.
Adv Amol Hunge represented the petitioner while GP D V Chavhan, APP N H Joshi for respondents.
