Nagpur: The high-profile Ramjhula hit-and-run case, in which a speeding Mercedes hit a two-wheeler and killed two young men, has reached a decisive stage. More than two years after the incident, the Additional Sessions Court has framed various serious charges against Ritika alias Ritu Malu, her husband Dinesh Malu and Madhuri Sarda. The trial will now begin.
Two young men killed by speeding Mercedes
In the early hours of February 25, 2024, a black Mercedes rammed into a two-wheeler on the Ramjhula bridge. Mohammad Hussain Ghulam Mustafa, 34, and Mohammad Atif, 32, died in the crash. The accident caused widespread outrage across Nagpur.
During the investigation, a forensic report stated that traces of alcohol were found in Ritika Malu’s blood sample. The charges in the case were subsequently made more serious.
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Court rejects ‘negligence’ argument
The defence argued that the incident had occurred solely due to negligence. The prosecution, however, told the court that driving at a dangerous speed after consuming alcohol amounted to an act showing disregard for human life.
After considering the preliminary evidence, the court retained the charge of culpable homicide. If convicted, the accused could face up to 10 years in prison.
Permission to drink at club does not justify reckless driving
The defence also argued that the accused had permission to consume alcohol at a club. The court did not accept the argument.
The court clarified that permission to consume alcohol at a private club does not grant anyone the right to drive recklessly on a public road. It observed that driving under the influence of alcohol and endangering the lives of others cannot be treated as mere negligence.
Arrest at midnight, followed by bail after charge sheet was not filed within 60 days
Ritika Malu’s midnight arrest in the case had also attracted attention. After the Sessions Court cancelled her bail and permitted the investigating agency to arrest her, the CID carried out an operation at her residence at midnight and took her into custody.
However, the CID could not file the charge sheet within the prescribed 60-day period. As a result, Ritika Malu secured default bail available to her under the law and was released from prison. The process followed during the investigation had also raised questions about the CID’s functioning.
Charges of destroying evidence also included
The co-accused also face allegations of attempting to destroy evidence after the accident, assisting the accused and obstructing the investigation. The court declined to dismiss these charges at this stage. The precise facts behind them will be examined during the trial.
Trial set to begin after more than two years
The investigation was transferred from the local police to the State Crime Investigation Department. The process of framing charges was also delayed for various reasons. With the court finally framing charges against all three accused, the way has been cleared for the trial.
After the deaths of the two young men, the twists and turns in the investigation, the midnight arrest and the subsequent release on default bail, the Ramjhula case has now reached the judicial stage. The truth will emerge in court on the basis of witness testimony, forensic reports and other evidence, while the families of the deceased await the final verdict.
