**Mumbai Court Denies Bail to Mihir Shah in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case**
The Mumbai Sessions Court has denied bail to Mihir Shah, the son of Shiv Sena (Shinde camp) leader Rajesh Shah, in connection with a hit-and-run incident involving a BMW that resulted in the death of a woman in Worli last year. The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, when Shah allegedly collided with a scooter operated by Pradip Nakhwa, whose wife, Kaveri, was tragically dragged for nearly two kilometers by the vehicle. Kaveri succumbed to her injuries, while Pradip sustained serious injuries.
Authorities reported that Shah was driving under the influence at the time of the accident. He was apprehended on July 9, 2024, after evading capture for two days. Shah previously contended that his arrest was unlawful, claiming he was not informed of the grounds for his arrest. His bail request was also rejected by the Bombay High Court, which noted that Shah and his co-accused were aware of the severe implications of their actions. This ruling has since been appealed to the Supreme Court, where the case remains unresolved.
In October 2024, the Mumbai Police submitted a chargesheet in the case, prompting Shah to file a new bail application with the Sessions Court last month. His attorney, Jay K Bharadwaj, argued that Shah has already spent over a year in custody without the trial commencing, which is expected to be lengthy due to the examination of 54 witnesses. Bharadwaj emphasized that Shah has no prior criminal record and is a permanent resident of Mumbai.
The defense also challenged the application of Section 105(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, asserting that the section’s criteria for intent and knowledge were not met. A detailed order explaining the court’s decision to deny bail is anticipated. The court also rejected a similar bail application from Shah’s driver, Rajrishi Bidawat.
**FAQ**
*What are the implications of the court’s decision on Mihir Shah’s case?*
The court’s denial of bail indicates a serious view of the charges against Shah, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the potential consequences of his actions. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the final outcome of the case.
