Nagpur: In a significant move, Commissioner Ravinder Singal has directed the issuance of a look-out notice against Ritika Maloo, the primary suspect in the Ram Jhula accident case. This development underscores a dedicated effort by law enforcement to apprehend Maloo. A search of her residence in Deshpande Layout near Wardhaman Nagar was conducted by a Tehsil police team led by Senior Inspector Sandeep Buwa, under the supervision of Zonal DCP Gorakh Bhamre, a local media report said.
According to the report, rumours of Maloo’s potential attempt to flee the country have prompted authorities to intensify their search efforts and move to seize her passport. Commissioner Singal has emphasized that stringent action will be taken against anyone found assisting Maloo in evading arrest or escaping surveillance. Multiple police teams have been dispatched to various locations based on intelligence inputs, with strategies in place to ensure her apprehension.
Despite reports suggesting Maloo might be in Rajasthan, there is no confirmed information regarding any attempt to leave the country. While her passport was not found at her residence, authorities have obtained necessary details from the passport office to facilitate the issuance of the look-out notice and to alert airports nationwide.
Maloo’s reckless driving on February 25 led to the tragic deaths of Mohd Hussain Mustafa and Mohd Atif, sparking widespread outrage and protests. Initially charged under bailable sections for causing death due to negligence, the case escalated to non-cognizable sections following the revelation of her blood alcohol content.
With anticipatory bail denied by the Sessions Court and no relief from the High Court, police efforts are now concentrated on tracking down Maloo. Commissioner Singal assured that the investigation is progressing under senior officials’ supervision, ensuring it is both technically and legally robust.
Fast-track proceedings
Meanwhile, under opposition fire for neglecting the February Ram Jhula accident case involving an allegedly drunk woman driving a Mercedes car hitting a two-wheeler killing two youths in Nagpur at a time when the cops moved swiftly in Pune’s Porsche crash case, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the government plans to file a chargesheet next week and request the court to fast-track proceedings.
To a query regarding the Ram Jhula case main accused, Ritika Maloo, was absconding under the guise of attending a family function, Fadnavis — who is also Maharashtra’s Home Minister and is also Nagpur Guardian Minister — told a local newspaper that the investigations were proceedings in the right direction.
Opposition leaders have flayed the Nagpur police for not acting swiftly against the accused. Former State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh demanded justice for the accident victims.
