PONDA: Additional District and Sessions Judge, Panjim, sitting at Ponda, Cholu Gauns on Wednesday granted interim relief to Megna Sawardekar, the owner of the Mercedes SUV, which mowed down three people and left three others injured in Sunday’s horrific accident at Banastarim.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court extended the police custody of Meghana’s husband Paresh Sawardekar, accused in the Banastarim accident, by five days.
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Following Sunday’s fatal accident at Banastarim, the locals of Divar had launched a morcha on the Mardol Police Station on Tuesday demanding Meghana’s arrest. Fearing arrest, Meghana filed an anticipatory bail application on Wednesday.
The court said that the applicant (Meghana) is granted interim protection/bail until disposal of application for anticipatory bail on merits.
The Court further said that in the event of arrest, the applicant shall be released upon executing personal bond of Rs 20,000 and one surety for like amount. The applicant shall cooperate in investigation of the crime, shall not tamper with evidence directly or indirectly and shall not influence witnesses. The next hearing into the case is scheduled on August 16.
The Court observed that Paresh, who is accused in the case under various sections of IPC and MV Act, is her husband. The police also wish to arrest Meghana for that crime. The nature of such crime is debatable as to whether two separate individuals can be booked for the offences under the same crime.
The court further observed that Meghana’s interrogation was already conducted on August 8 by the police and her statement was recorded. “In view of the same, custodial interrogation is not warranted. Further on health grounds, the applicant has gone through brain surgery recently. No notice u/s 41 (a) which is mandatory has been served on the applicant,” the court observed.
