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.
