A tragic hit-and-run incident in Mumbai’s Worli area on Sunday morning claimed the life of a 45-year-old woman, Kavita Nakhwa. The incident involved a BMW car driven by Mihir Shah, who allegedly was under the influence of alcohol, striking the two-wheeler Kavita and her husband, Pradip Nakhwa, were riding.
The couple, who are fisherfolk, were returning home from Sassoon Dock in Colaba when the accident occurred around 5:30 am on Annie Besant Road. Witnesses reported seeing Kavita being dragged on the car’s bonnet for approximately 100 meters before being flung off. She was rushed to Nair hospital but declared dead on arrival. Her husband sustained injuries in the incident.
Mihir Shah, the son of a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) camp leader from Palghar, is the accused in the case. Reports indicate that Mihir, a 10th pass, is involved in his family’s construction business. He had reportedly been at a Juhu bar with a friend, spending ₹ 18,000, before taking the wheel of the BMW and causing the accident.
Following the incident, Mihir fled the scene and is currently absconding. The police have detained his father, Rajesh Shah, and are questioning him. Two others, including the driver of the car at the time of the accident, Rajrishi Rajendrasingh Bidawat, have also been detained and booked. The BMW involved is registered in the name of Rajesh Shah.
Police are also investigating Mihir’s girlfriend, suspecting she may have aided in his escape. Reports suggest that Mihir consumed alcohol at the Juhu bar from 11 pm on Saturday to 1:30 am on Sunday.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assuring that no one will be shielded and that the guilty will not be spared. He has instructed the police to take strict action against those involved.
Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray visited the Worli police station to express his condolences and hope for swift justice. While he declined to comment on the political affiliations of the accused, he emphasized the need to restore traffic discipline in Mumbai and urged for an objective approach to addressing the situation.
The Mumbai police are investigating the case, and the Forensic team has inspected the BMW at the Worli Police Station. The incident has highlighted the serious issue of drunk driving and its devastating consequences.
