The Supreme Court declined to hear the bail application of Mihir Shah, accused in the 2024 Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case, observing sternly that “These boys need to be taught a lesson” given allegations of intoxicated driving and offences.
The Supreme Court declined to hear the bail application of Mihir Shah, son of a former Shiv Sena leader, regarding the 2024 Mumbai BMW hit-and-run incident.
The court stated,
“These boys need to be taught a lesson.”
A panel of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih emphasized that the accused comes from a wealthy background, with his father linked to the faction of Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
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They remarked,
“He parks his Mercedes in the shed, takes out his BMW and crashes it and goes absconding. Let him be inside for some time.”
Rebecca John, a senior advocate representing Shah, mentioned that the high court had permitted him to request bail following the recording of key witness testimonies.
However, sensing the court’s stance, she opted to withdraw the plea, which was granted.
Shah, 24, was arrested on July 9 of last year, two days after allegedly crashing his BMW into a two-wheeler in Mumbai’s Worli area, resulting in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa (45) and injuring her husband, Pradeep Nakhwa.
Following the accident, Shah reportedly fled towards the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, even with the woman on his car’s bonnet, dragging her for over 1.5 kilometers.
Shah’s driver, Rajrishi Bidawat, who was in the vehicle during the incident, was arrested on the day of the accident, and both are currently in judicial custody.
Shah has appealed the Bombay High Court’s November 21 ruling that denied him bail, citing that he was heavily intoxicated and failed to stop his car after hitting the scooter and dragging the victim.
The high court determined that Shah’s actions during and after the incident did not inspire confidence for bail approval. It noted that while he initially crashed into the scooter by accident, he then sped away, demonstrating a clear intent to evade the repercussions of his actions.
The court also observed that his subsequent behaviour, including switching seats with his driver, contacting his father, and leaving the scene, suggested attempts to tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses.
Case Title: Mihir Rajesh Shah v. State of Maharashtra