BMW Hit-and-Run Accused Mihir Shah Moves Bombay High Court After Bail Denied

Mihir Shah, the main accused in the 2024 BMW hit-and-run case in Mumbai, has filed a plea in the Bombay High Court after a lower court refused to grant him bail.

Shah’s lawyer, Jay K Bharadwaj, argued that the court should base its decision on facts, not public emotion or morality. The plea also pointed out that Shah has been in jail for over 400 days without a trial, which should be taken into account.

The incident took place on July 7, 2024, in Mumbai’s Worli area. Mihir Shah, 24, allegedly crashed his BMW into a scooter carrying a couple, Pradip and Kaveri Nakhwa. The impact killed Kaveri, who was reportedly dragged for nearly two kilometers by the car. Her husband, Pradip, survived with injuries.

Police say Shah was drunk at the time and fled the scene. He was arrested two days later, on July 9, after being on the run.

The Sessions Court in Mumbai had denied his bail on August 22, saying the facts of the case showed "merciless behavior." The judge also said it appeared that Shah acted as if money and power could allow him to do anything.

Mihir Shah is the son of Rajesh Shah, a leader in the Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. His political background has added to the public attention on the case.

Now, Shah is asking the Bombay High Court to overrule the Sessions Court’s decision and allow him bail while he waits for his trial.

The case has sparked major public outrage due to its brutal nature and concerns about justice for the victim, especially given the accused’s political connections.