A tragic accident in the early hours of Sunday claimed the lives of two young men when a speeding Mercedes, driven by Ritika alias Ritu Dinesh Malu (39), crashed into their Activa scooter on Ram Jhula. Notably, the accused driver, from an esteemed family in Nagpur, was granted bail within 24 hrs of the incident.
The victims, identified as Mohd Hussain Gulam Mustafa (34) and Mohd Atif Mohd Jiya (32), were residents of Naal Sahab Square, Mominpura, and Jafar Nagar, Awasthi Square respectively. Mohd Hussain died on the spot, while Mohd Atif succumbed to his injuries later at a private hospital. Ritika, accompanied by her friend Madhuri Shishir Sarda (37), had been returning from a late-night party at CP Club when the accident occurred.
Allegedly losing control while exiting through Ram Jhula, the Mercedes collided with the scooter. Despite the severity of the collision, both women fled the scene. Later the two women surrendered to Tehsil Police Station, confessing their involvement in the accident. The Mercedes sustained significant damage in the collision. Police reported that the victims weren’t wearing helmets.
Ritika Malu was arrested on charges including negligence, causing hurt, and rash driving. Her blood sample was sent for forensic analysis, and charges were filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act. The accused driver and her friend were granted bail within 24 hours of the incident on Sunday night. The incident has reignited concerns over reckless driving on city roads.