Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 15: An 8-month pregnant businesswoman had a narrow escape on Sunday night after her Mercedes car was hit by a Honda City being driven by an 18-year-old on Mumbai’s newly inaugurated coastal road. While no injuries were reported, the woman has lodged an FIR against the teenager for rash and negligent driving.

The incident occurred around 10:50 pm near Gate No. 8 of the northbound tunnel, when the woman, identified as 33-year-old Sonam Banani, was driving home from Marine Drive to Prabhadevi. Her luxury car was rear-ended by a Honda City, driven by Om Manish Poddar, a resident of Bhuleshwar.

According to the FIR registered at the Malabar Hill Police Station, the accused has been booked under Section 281 (negligent driving) and 125(A) (endangering life or personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has also been summoned under Section 35(3) for further investigation.

Police officials confirmed that the accused’s blood samples have been taken to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Banani escaped without injury, but her vehicle sustained damage in the crash. “She was fortunate to avoid physical harm, especially in her condition,” a police source said.

The incident comes amid heightened public scrutiny over underage and reckless driving, as the country awaits the verdict in the high-profile Pune Porsche crash case, where a minor allegedly under the influence of alcohol rammed into a two-wheeler, killing two tech professionals.

Authorities say they are investigating the Mumbai case thoroughly to determine whether any further charges need to be filed.