WEDNESDAY, MAY 01, 2024
Team Herald
In a recent development, the Banastarim Accident case has been transferred from the Mardol Police to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, assured a delegation of Divar villagers on Wednesday that the government will transfer the Banastarim accident case to the Crime Branch. The delegation, led by Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, met with the Chief Minister and requested the case to be handed over to the Crime Branch while also urging for a judicial enquiry into the matter. The delegation conveyed their lack of trust in the Mardol Police, alleging that they made efforts to protect Meghana Sawardekar, the SUV owner.
Advocate Raviraj Chodankar, representing the accident victims, additionally demanded that the Sawardekar couple undergo narco or lie detection tests. Chodankar expressed doubt about the Mardol Police's handling of the case and raised concerns regarding whether statements from all five occupants of the Mercedes, including three children, were accurately recorded. He emphasized that, despite the sensitive nature of involving children, their testimonies are crucial for revealing the truth.
The High Court of Bombay on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the bail plea of Shripad alias Paresh Sawardekar, the accused driver of the killer Mercedes involved in the tragic Banastarim accident. The adjourned hearing is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 21. This decision was made after a government prosecutor informed the Court that the investigation is being transferred from the Mardol police to the Crime Branch located in Ribandar.
Also, Meghana Sawardekar, the owner of the Mercedes SUV involved in the accident, has approached the High Court seeking the cancellation of the summons issued to her by the Mardol polices. The Additional Sessions Court in Ponda has rescheduled the hearing on Meghana's anticipatory bail application to August 23. Her interim protection from arrest has been extended until then.
Earlier, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Ponda had placed Paresh Sawardekar in 14-day judicial custody. This followed his initial police custody for eight days since the accident occurred on August 6.
