The recent BMW hit-and-run incident in Mumbai continues to captivate public attention. Mihir Shah, the primary suspect, was apprehended and placed in police custody until July 16. This development comes on the heels of his arrest, shedding light on a case that has shocked the city. Meanwhile, the repercussions have extended to his family, with his father, Rajesh Shah, a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) politician, losing his position as the party’s deputy leader.
Mihir’s Alleged Actions and the Tragic Incident
Prosecutors argue that Mihir committed a “cruel heartless crime.” They are determined to investigate who may have aided him during his two-day escape following the accident. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning when Mihir allegedly crashed his BMW into a two-wheeler in Worli, resulting in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa, 45, who was riding pillion with her husband Pradeep.
The gravity of Mihir’s actions becomes even more apparent when considering that Kaveri was reportedly dragged for 1.5 km before the car finally came to a stop. This detail has further intensified public outrage and the authorities’ resolve to thoroughly investigate the case.
Mihir’s Elaborate Attempts to Evade Arrest
Changing Appearance
In a calculated move to avoid capture, Mihir reportedly altered his appearance. Eyewitnesses observed him sporting a beard at a Juhu bar on Saturday night. However, when arrested in Virar on Wednesday, he was clean-shaven. Police believe Mihir assumed they had his bearded photo, prompting him to shave and get a haircut to mislead them. This attempt at disguise has become a crucial point of investigation, with authorities seeking to identify the barber who assisted Mihir.
Communication with Girlfriend
After the accident, Mihir’s actions became increasingly frantic. He allegedly made about 40 calls to his girlfriend, highlighting his state of mind following the incident. Subsequently, he took an auto-rickshaw to her house in Goregaon, where he rested for two hours. During this time, his girlfriend informed Mihir’s sister about the incident, initiating a chain of events that involved his family.
Family’s Involvement in Mihir’s Case
The case has taken a familial turn with Mihir’s mother, Meena, and sisters, Pooja and Kinjal, being detained for allegedly aiding him in evading arrest. They claim they went into hiding, fearing potential mob attacks and intense police interrogation. This aspect of the case has raised questions about the extent of family involvement and the potential legal consequences they may face.
Adding to the family drama, Mihir’s grandparents in Palghar have been untraceable since the incident, further complicating the investigation. The police are keen to question all family members to understand the full scope of assistance Mihir may have received.
The Night that Changed Everything for Mihir
Mihir’s fateful evening began at the Tapas bar in Juhu, where he reportedly consumed a substantial amount of alcohol with friends. Around 1:30 AM, they left for Borivali to drop off his companions. The night took a dangerous turn when Mihir and his driver decided to go for a joy ride to Marine Drive.
At approximately 3:30 AM, Mihir insisted on taking the wheel, a decision that would have tragic consequences. He allegedly crashed into the two-wheeler on Dr. Annie Basant Road in Worli, setting off a chain of events that would change many lives forever.
In the aftermath of the accident, Mihir and his driver Rajrishi Bidawat reportedly made the ill-fated decision to switch seats. Shockingly, Bidawat then ran over the victim’s body a second time, adding another layer of horror to the already tragic incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Mihir’s Future
As the investigation unfolds, police plan to confront Mihir and Bidawat due to discrepancies in their statements. This face-to-face confrontation is expected to shed light on the exact sequence of events and potentially uncover any attempts to obscure the truth.
The authorities are also keen to question Mihir’s girlfriend, whose role in the aftermath of the incident remains unclear. Her testimony could provide crucial insights into Mihir’s state of mind and actions immediately following the accident.
Political Repercussions and Public Response
The case has had significant political ramifications. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) swiftly dismissed Rajesh Shah as the party’s deputy leader, distancing themselves from the controversy surrounding Mihir. This move underscores the political sensitivity of the case and its potential impact on public perception.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has promised strict action against the guilty, emphasizing that no one will be spared in this high-profile case. In a gesture of support for the victim’s family, he announced Rs 10 lakh in aid, highlighting the government’s commitment to justice and compassion.
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