PONDA: With Goa Police failing to produce material record to hold Meghana Sawardekar’s role in the fatal accident at Banastarim and also because she did not have any past criminal record, Additional Sessions Judge Cholu Gauns granted her anticipatory bail on Friday.
“There is no material to hold that the applicant has any role in the alleged crime, as the respondents have produced nothing against the applicant despite opportunity. There is nothing on record to show that the applicant has a past criminal record or that she has any conviction to her credit rendered by Court or of having previously undergone imprisonment,” the order stated.
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In its order, the Court said, “The ad-interim anticipatory bail granted to the applicant on 09.08.2023 is confirmed on following conditions: In the event of arrest of the applicant in this case, she shall be released upon executing personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety in like amount. The applicant shall cooperate in the investigation of the crime. She shall not tamper with the evidence directly or indirectly. She shall not influence witnesses. She shall not leave India without permission of this court.”
The lawyer of the applicant pointed out to the court that in spite of giving opportunity and even after seeking time on August 16 to file its say, the respondents did not bother to remain present for the hearing. The conduct of respondents shows that the applicant is not required by the police in the said crime.
The lawyer pointed out that the husband of the applicant was arrested in the Banastarim accident case as he was driving the car.
“Further there is nothing on record to show that applicant has criminal records. The applicant has undergone surgery and produced medical papers, which were not disputed by respondents,” the lawyer added.
Failure with a capital F
Why was Meghana Sawardekar allowed to go home from the accident spot without formal questioning?
Why was she not tested for alcohol in her system, especially when there was one witness repeatedly saying that she was the driver of the car?
This lapse means that even if there is evidence pointing to her being the driver, the charge of drunken driving cannot be levelled
Meghana had received interim protection from arrest, but there was no bar on the police to question her early
For almost a week the police couldn’t question her, giving the excuse that they couldn’t find her. Why?
