Tensions escalated on June 14, Saturday, after the family of 29-year-old Yogesh Tulsiram Bopche, who died in the Chinchbhuvan hit-and-run, staged a protest outside Beltarodi Police Station demanding the immediate arrest of Avantikumar Kothari, the man booked in the case.
Kothari, registered owner of the BMW (HP 89 A 1592) that fatally struck Bopche and critically injured his relative Bhojendra Khobragade (55) on June 9, was traced by police on Friday. However, citing technicalities from a Supreme Court ruling, police said he could not be arrested at this stage, sparking outrage among the victim’s kin.
Bopche, a labourer and sole breadwinner, succumbed to injuries at AIIMS. He is survived by his wife and two sons aged five years and five months. His family, joined by locals, accused police of shielding Kothari due to his financial influence.
The luxury car, bought from a Mumbai dealer and registered in Kothari’s name, was found abandoned near the accident spot with liquor bottles inside, hinting at possible drunken driving. Police traced Kothari through alternate call records after he and his family allegedly fled the city.
Authorities maintain the case is under legal review.
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