Ritika Maloo, accused in the fatal Mercedes crash on Ram Jhula that killed two lives in February, has sought anticipatory bail from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court after her pre-arrest bail plea was rejected by District and Sessions Judge R S Bhosle (Patil). Her petition is expected to be heard on Tuesday.
Maloo, a resident of Deshpande Layout, filed her application before a vacation bench, aiming to secure relief in connection with charges under Section 304 of the IPC, according to her counsel, Adv Prakash Jaiswal.
The incident, transpiring on the night of February 24, 2024, led to the deaths of Mohammad Hussain Gulam Mustafa (34) of Mominpura and Mohammad Atif Mohammad Joya (32) of Jafar Nagar. Allegedly driving under the influence, Maloo, accompanied by Madhuri Shishir Sarda (37), fled the scene but later surrendered and were arrested.
However, after receiving the blood sample report confirming Maloo’s intoxication, the police added the more serious charge under Section 304 of the IPC. The JMFC denied the police’s custody request, and subsequently, Maloo’s application for anticipatory bail in this non-bailable offense was rejected by the District and Sessions Court.
Advocate Prakash Jaiswal argued that the police investigation is complete, with statements from Maloo, her family, and eyewitnesses recorded, and sufficient evidence collected. Asserting no further need for custodial interrogation, Jaiswal emphasized the lack of necessity for Maloo’s detention. Additionally, the police have returned the car and gathered all necessary samples from the accident site, justifying the appeal for anticipatory bail before the High Court.