2 days ago
Megha Rawal Held In Police Custody After Bandra Child Death
Police arrested Megha Rawal after an SUV allegedly hit an eight-year-old boy named Ansh Gupta in Mumbai.
The crash happened near Jijamata Garden in Bandra West on August 30.
Ansh had reportedly gone to play and was crossing the road while returning home.
An auto-rickshaw driver took him to a hospital, but doctors said he had died.
A court sent Rawal to police custody for one day while investigators examined the case.
Some witnesses said she may have been using a phone and driving quickly.
Ansh’s parents also alleged that she had been drinking.
Police said the allegations must be checked, and they sent her blood sample for forensic analysis.
Megha Rawal, 45, was arrested after her SUV allegedly struck eight-year-old Ansh Gupta in Bandra West.
The crash occurred between 2:15 and 2:30 p.m. on August 30 near Jijamata Garden.
Ansh was taken to Holy Hospital by an auto-rickshaw driver and declared dead at about 3:45 p.m.
A magistrate court sent Rawal to one day of police custody on August 31.
Witnesses and Ansh’s parents alleged phone use, speeding and alcohol impairment, while police said the claims were still being investigated.
- Who
- Megha Rawal, 45, was arrested; the child who died was eight-year-old Ansh Gupta, also identified as Ansh Ravindra Gupta.
- What
- An SUV allegedly driven by Rawal struck Ansh, who later died; Rawal was arrested and remanded to one day of police custody.
- Where
- St John Baptist Road near Jijamata Garden in Bandra West, Mumbai; Ansh was taken to Holy Hospital.
- When
- The crash occurred on August 30 between approximately 2:15 and 2:30 p.m.; Ansh was declared dead around 3:45 p.m., and Rawal was remanded on August 31.
- Why
- Police are investigating the fatal collision, including allegations of rash driving, mobile-phone use and alcohol impairment.
Allegations surrounding the crash
Defence and investigative position
Phone use and speed
Allegations surrounding the crash
Eyewitnesses and Ansh’s family alleged that Rawal was speaking on a mobile phone; one eyewitness also alleged that the SUV was travelling at high speed.
Defence and investigative position
Police said the eyewitness allegations would be independently verified using the investigation, including call-detail records and CCTV footage.
Alcohol impairment
Allegations surrounding the crash
Ansh’s parents alleged that Rawal was under the influence of alcohol while driving.
Defence and investigative position
The preliminary investigation reportedly found no evidence of alcohol impairment, but Rawal’s blood sample was sent for forensic analysis, so the allegation has not been conclusively resolved.
Legal characterization
Allegations surrounding the crash
Police registered a case including a culpable-homicide charge based on the circumstances under investigation.
Defence and investigative position
Defence lawyer Amar Paragonkar called the incident an unfortunate accident and opposed the culpable-homicide charge, arguing that there was no intent or knowledge.
Key facts
- Accused
- Megha Rawal, 45
- Child killed
- Ansh Gupta, also identified as Ansh Ravindra Gupta, 8
- Crash location
- St John Baptist Road near Jijamata Garden, Bandra West, Mumbai
- Vehicle
- An Innova SUV; reports variously describe it as an Innova Hycross or Innova Crysta, registration 24 BH 0455 B
- Court order
- One day of police custody on August 31
- Investigation
- Police are retrieving CCTV footage and call-detail records, checking Rawal’s blood sample, and arranging a Regional Transport Office examination of the SUV
- Charges
- Sections 105, 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act
Quotes
Parents of Ansh Ravindra Gupta
Parents of the eight-year-old boy who died in the alleged Bandra hit-and-run
“Who will call us Papa and Mummy now? We want justice.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Who Is Megha Rawal? 45-Year-Old Nutritionist Arrested For Running SUV Over Child In Mumbai's Bandra
Bandra Hit-And-Run Case: Accused Megha Rawal Sent To 1-Day Police Custody In 8-Year-Old’s Death - VIDEO
Bandra Road Accident: Court Sends Driver Megha Rawal To Police Custody For A Day In 8-Year-Old Boy’s Death Case
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