Mihir, who is the son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, had been absconding since July 7 when he rammed his BMW into a two-wheeler in the Worli area of south-central Mumbai, resulting in the death of 45-year-old Kaveri Nakhwa, who was riding pillion, while her husband Pradeep survived with injuries.
What the police told court
Seeking Mihir’s custody, the police on Wednesday told Sewri court in Mumbai that they have to find out how many people helped (the accused) after the incident, and who all helped him to hide for so many days.
The police further said they need to find out whether the accused has a driving license and what happened to the number plate of the car, which was discarded by the accused after the accident.
The police had asked for 7-days custody of Mihir.
What Mihir’s lawyer said
Accused Mihir Shah’s counsel told the court that the driver and Mihir were questioned after sitting in front of each other. The police have also taken the phone, the counsel said while questioning the need for police custody.
The lawyer also said Mihir was taken to the accident spot on Tuesday where he narrated the entire incident.
The advocate told the court that the driver’s and Mihir’s statement matched, adding that the police have not mentioned the grounds for the arrest of Mihir.
Chilling CCTV footage
Chilling details of the accident emerged in CCTV footage produced by the police in the court on Monday.
The footage shows Kaveri Nakhwa being dragged by the BMW for 1.5 km before the car stopped.
Mihir and his driver Rajrishi Bidawat pulled the woman off the bonnet, placed her on the road, and swapped seats. While reversing the car, Bidawat ran over the victim before fleeing.
A Mumbai court has extended till July 11 the police custody of Bidawat in the case.
Shiv Sena sacks Rajesh Shah
Amid mounting criticism, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, on Wednesday sacked Rajesh Shah, whose son Mihir Shah was allegedly involved in the BMW hit-and-run, as the party’s deputy leader.
A one-line notice by Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More said Rajesh Shah has been relieved from the post of the party’s deputy leader.
Shah, however, continues to be a member of the Shiv Sena.
Police have said that Shah actively ensured Mihir’s escape after the car crash. He is currently out on bail.
