Thane: Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident on Eastern Express Highway
Thane, 22nd October 2024: The Naupada Police have apprehended the driver linked to a deadly hit-and-run incident at Nitin Company Junction on the Eastern Express Highway. The suspect, 27-year-old Abhijit Nair, turned himself into authorities, leading to his arrest on Tuesday evening.
The tragic event took place late Monday night, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Darshan Hegde, who was struck by a speeding Mercedes while riding his two-wheeler. After the accident, the police initiated an investigation and managed to locate the vehicle in a municipal parking area in Mumbai, where it was subsequently confiscated. Nair had purchased the 2008 Mercedes second-hand for Rs 3.75 lakh, despite his family’s modest financial situation.
Darshan, a resident of Wagle Estate, was en route to buy food when the Mercedes, travelling from Thane to Mumbai, collided with him at the junction. The impact caused severe injuries to his head and limbs. Although he was rushed to a private hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Following the incident, public outrage mounted due to the driver’s negligence as he fled the scene, according to a police officer.
The police examined CCTV footage to track the car back to Nair’s family. Living in Mulund, Nair had dropped out of his BSc program and was employed at a paper company, earning a modest income. His father works as a supervisor, and despite their financial constraints, Nair had a passion for luxury vehicles, a police officer noted.
Authorities indicated that they were unable to move the Mercedes due to its locking mechanism but planned to seize it soon. With Nair now in custody, the police have pledged to take stringent legal action against him. They also stated that further details regarding the accident may emerge, including whether he had consumed alcohol before the incident. “Interrogation is pending, and we will have more clarity after that,” the officer added.
