Ram Jhula Accident 

 

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued an ultimatum to the State Government, setting a deadline of August 5 for a decision on whether Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will take over the Ram Jhula hit-and-run accident case. This directive comes in response to a petition filed by Shahrukh Zia Mohammad, seeking a transparent investigation. It should be noted that accused Ritika alias Ritu Maloo allegedly drove her Mercedes car recklessly under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a collision with an Activa scooter carrying two persons on February 25. Both riders, Mohd Hussain Gulam Mustafa and Mohd Ateef Mohd Zia, suffered fatal injuries — one died on the spot, and the other succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.

 

According to the petitioner, the initial police response has come under scrutiny, with accusations of mishandling evidence and aiding escape of the accused and her accomplice.There was a six-hour delay in taking the blood samples to avoid detecting alcohol in accused’s blood. A complaint was submitted to the Commissioner of Police, but no action was taken, claimed the petitioner. During the hearing before Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Vrushali Joshi, the court underlined that the deadline for the State’s decision is final and will not be extended further. The counsel of petitioner argued that the Tehsil Police’s handling of the case lacked transparency and called for a transfer of the investigation to the CID for impartiality. 

 

A hearing took place at the Sessions Court before Judge S U Hake over the revision application submitted by Tehsil Police to arrest Ritika alias Ritu Maloo in connection with the case. Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Rashmi Khaparde, appearing on behalf of the State, advocated for the immediate arrest of Ritika Maloo. Citing various judgements of High Courts and Supreme Courts, Khaparde underlined urgency of bringing Maloo to police custody. On opposing front, the defense countered the prosecution’s stance. Following Monday’s proceedings, the Court has scheduled the continuation of arguments on Tuesday.