Mumbai: Father and Driver of Worli Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested, Son Remains Missing

Mumbai, 8th July 2024: Mihir Shah, the 24-year-old son of a Shiv Sena leader and the primary suspect in the Worli hit-and-run case remains missing a day after the tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 45-year-old woman and left her husband injured. Following investigations, six police teams are actively searching for Mihir Shah, who was reportedly driving the speeding BMW that collided with a scooter, fatally injuring Kaveri Nakhawa and causing serious injuries to her husband Pradeep.

Rajesh Shah, Mihir’s father and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena in Palghar district under Eknath Shinde, along with his driver Rajrushi Bidavat, are scheduled to appear in court today after being arrested in connection with the incident. Rajesh Shah’s arrest followed his alleged non-cooperation with the police during their investigation.

A lookout circular has been issued for Mihir Shah, whose residence was found locked when police attempted to locate him. The whereabouts of his mother and sister are currently unknown.

According to initial findings, Mihir Shah had consumed alcohol at a bar in Juhu late Saturday night, after which his driver picked him up in the high-end BMW. Upon reaching Worli, Mihir insisted on driving and subsequently collided with the scooter carrying the Nakhawas, residents of Koliwada who earned a living selling fish. Kaveri Nakhawa tragically succumbed to her injuries after being dragged by the BMW, while her husband Pradeep was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Mihir Shah reportedly contacted his father to inform him about the accident but has since been unreachable by phone.

The case has been registered under the new Indian Penal Code Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, invoking charges related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and destruction of evidence, among others. Additionally, provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act have been applied.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured that strict legal action would be taken, emphasizing that everyone is equal before the law.

The victim’s husband, Pradeep, emotionally addressed the media, expressing concern about his future as a father to two children amidst his grief. He voiced apprehensions about receiving justice due to the influential status of those involved.

Aaditya Thackeray from the opposing faction of Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray visited the Worli police station and urged the police to swiftly apprehend the accused and ensure justice for the victim. He emphasized the need for impartial investigation and underscored the tragic similarities with a previous hit-and-run incident in Pune involving a Porsche.

The Pune incident, earlier this year, resulted in the deaths of two 24-year-old engineers and saw legal actions taken against the minor accused’s family for attempts to tamper with evidence.