Nagpur: The Ram Jhula accident case controversy deepened as new allegations emerged against the investigation officer and the Tehsil police team.
In a recent blunder, the police provided misleading information in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, stating that Dinesh Maloo, husband of the accused Ritika Maloo, was arrested and presented before the court on February 25, the day of the accident, instead of the actual date of June 10.
During a press conference organized by the social forum ‘Janta Foundation’ on Monday, activists Zeeshan Siddiqui, Piyush Gedam, Vikas Kunjam, and Mohd Shahrukh, accompanied by the relatives of the victims, Mohd Atif and Mohd Hussain Mustafa, criticized the Tehsil police for making a mockery of the RTI Act. The police not only provided an incorrect arrest date but also attempted to mislead the RTI applicant by repeatedly furnishing the FIR and complaint copies in an 18-page response, claiming compliance with the law.
Zeeshan Siddiqui highlighted that despite these issues, Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal has not taken any action against PSI Parshuram Bhaval of Tehsil Police Station or the investigation officer Sandeep Buwa, who is responsible for the significant lapses in the case. “PSI Bhaval’s negligence led to the destruction of crucial evidence and the application of bailable sections in the case. In the RTI reply, Buwa provides two conflicting versions regarding Bhaval — one stating that the inquiry is ongoing and another revealing that a report has been sent to senior officers for action,” Siddiqui added.
High Court urges expedited hearing amidst delays
Meanwhile, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, comprising Justices Vinay Joshi and Vrushali V. Joshi, expressed concern over the prolonged delays in the case. On Monday, the court allowed an adjournment of the hearing to August 22 after the Government Pleader cited health issues as the reason for seeking more time. However, the justices stressed the need for urgency, warning that further delays could render the judicial process meaningless, as the case is yet to be chargesheeted.
The relatives of the victims had filed a criminal writ, requesting the High Court to transfer the investigation to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) due to allegations that the Tehsil police were shielding the accused. Justice Vinay Joshi, in particular, pressed for an early hearing, eventually agreeing to set the next hearing for Thursday, August 22, while emphasizing the importance of timely resolution in the interest of justice.
The kin of the Ram Jhula accident victims, Mohd Atif and Mohd Hussain Mustafa, had filed the writ before high court to transfer the probe to state CID, alleging city police have extended undue favours to accused Ritika Maloo and her co-passenger in the car, Madhuri Sarda and their families.
In the writ, petitioners stated that the Tehsil police probe was marred by biases and dubious actions to shield the accused and their families, who played a key role in destruction of evidence after the accident on February 25 that killed two youngsters on a scooter.
The petitioner also highlighted the car, involved in the accident, was returned to the Maloo family without a court order, leading to serious questions on their actions as the chargesheet was still pending.
