The Bombay High Court has rejected the bail application of the accused in the 2024 Worli BMW hit-and-run case, observing that his conduct after the incident indicated a clear likelihood of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses. Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale, delivering the judgment, held that the nature and gravity of the offence, which resulted in the death of a woman, as well as the applicant’s subsequent actions, made it unsafe to release him on bail at this stage.
The Court noted that CCTV footage, witness statements and investigation material showed that after the collision, the car was driven at high speed while dragging the victim for nearly 1.5–2 km. Despite being aware that the woman was trapped under the vehicle, the accused allegedly continued driving, later exchanging seats with his driver and fleeing the scene with assistance from his father. The Court observed that these actions reflected an intention to evade arrest and interfere with the investigation.
The Court further recorded that the applicant was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident, and that witness statements confirmed the consumption of substantial alcohol shortly before the accident. Although the charge sheet has been filed and the accused has been in custody for over 14 months, the Court held that the severity of the offence and concerns over possible interference justified the continued denial of bail.
While dismissing the application, the High Court granted liberty to the accused to renew his bail plea after the trial court records the evidence of key eyewitnesses. All observations, the Court clarified, are prima facie and confined to the bail adjudication.
Appearances:
Mr. Ashok Mundargi, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Jay K. Bharadwaj, Harsh Ramchandani, Disha Bajaj and Swarali Joglekar, for the Applicant.
Ms. M. M. Deshmukh, with Anuja Gotad, Ms. Anamika Malhotra, Poonam Bhosale, Megha Bajoria, Manisha Tidke, Yogesh Dabke, APPs. for the Respondent-State.
Mr. Dilip Satale, with S Patel and Padma C., for the Intervenor/Complainant.
Mr. Ashok Kamble, PI, with Sampat Chemate, API, with Atul Kumbhar, PSI, attached to Worli Police Station, present.