Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 5: A sessions court on Wednesday granted bail to the father of the juvenile allegedly involved in last month’s fatal accident in Vidyavihar that claimed the life of Ghatkopar-based businessman Dhrumil Patel.
While allowing the plea, the court observed that prima facie there was no material to suggest that the father was aware that his 17-year-old son had taken the car on the night of the incident. The court directed him not to directly or indirectly influence witnesses and barred him from entering the Ghatkopar area until completion of the trial.
The case, registered at Tilak Nagar Police Station, pertains to an accident on February 5, when a speeding SUV allegedly driven by the minor rammed into a scooter, critically injuring Dhrumil Patel and his wife Minal. Dhrumil succumbed to his injuries nine days later, while Minal continues to remain in critical condition.
The juvenile’s father was arrested on February 10. Seeking bail, he contended that his son had taken the vehicle without his knowledge or consent. Police informed the court that the boy has not yet been questioned as he is appearing for his board examinations.
Sessions judge R M Jadhav, while granting bail, relied on the statement of the building watchman. As per the statement, the father returned home around 9.30 pm on the day of the incident, parked the car and handed over the keys to the watchman — a routine practice followed by residents.
The court noted that at about 10.15 pm, the juvenile approached the watchman and collected the car keys without any questioning. When the father later came downstairs and found the vehicle missing, he enquired with the watchman and was told that his son had taken it.
The court also took note of allegations that Rs 40 lakh was offered to the deceased’s family. The defence argued that both families belong to the same community and that a meeting had been arranged, during which the father agreed to pay Rs 40 lakh towards medical expenses.
The defence further claimed that the victim’s family demanded Rs 15 crore for a settlement and that a complaint in this regard had been lodged with police. However, the court declined to comment on these allegations at this stage.
Ruben Mascarenhas, counsel representing the deceased’s family, denied the allegation of a Rs 15 crore demand and stated that the family intends to challenge the bail order.