MUMBAI: After the prosecution submitted that the crime was heinous and the victim was killed most brutally, a magistrate’s court in Sewri remanded Mihir Shah, the 24-year-old accused in the BMW hit-and-run case in Worli, in police custody till July 16.
Seeking maximum custody, prosecutors Ravindra Patil and Bharti Bhosale said Mihir, who had been absconding before being nabbed Tuesday, had tried to mislead the probe and had changed his appearance.”It is necessary to investigate who helped the accused cut his hair, shave his beard and change his identity to hide,” the prosecution submitted.
Mihir, son of Shiv Sena functionary Rajesh Shah, was arrested Tuesday from a Virar hotel, almost 60 hours after he allegedly rammed a two-wheeler and killed Kaveri Nakhwa (45). Police had arrested Sunday Rajesh Shah and the family driver, Rishiraj Bidawat (30), who was in the car at the time of the incident.
Wednesday’s developments in court came as Shiv Sena removed Rajesh Shah as deputy leader and CM Eknath Shinde announced Rs 10 lakh as financial aid for the victim’s family. Asked about the delay in sacking Rajesh Shah, Shinde was quoted by PTI as saying, “Should sacking him from the party be given priority or taking action against the accused or providing support to the family? Govt will not support anyone. Action has been taken in this case.”
During interrogation, police sources said, Mihir told them he was behind the wheel. After being arrested, he was taken to JJ hospital for a check-up where doctors collected blood samples that have been sent for examination. Police said they will confront Mihir with Bidawat and also take the two to the crime scene and verify their statements.
“The accused has not cooperated with the investigation and is giving misleading information in connection with the evidence of the incident,” the prosecution submitted.
Prosecutors also submitted there were discrepancies in Bidawat’s and Mihir’s statements. “Hence it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation by confronting both accused,” they said. The prosecution also alleged Mihir had disposed of the number plate and had not revealed its whereabouts. “Accused Mihir Shah has committed the said crime along with co-accused and escaped from the crime scene with their help,” it claimed.