In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has responded to a petition filed by renowned Marathi actress Urmila Kothare, who sought the transfer of the investigation concerning a fatal car accident she was involved in. The court has issued notices to the respondents and directed the preservation of crucial evidence, including CCTV footage and the mechanical inspection report of the vehicle involved.
The incident in question occurred on December 28, 2024, in Mumbai's Kandivali area. Kothare's vehicle reportedly collided with two laborers working near the Poisar Metro Station, resulting in the death of one and serious injuries to the other. Both Kothare and her driver, Gajanan Pal, sustained injuries in the accident. Following the incident, Pal was arrested but subsequently released on bail.
In her petition, filed through advocate Amarendra Mishra, Kothare contends that the accident was primarily due to negligence on the part of the contractor responsible for constructing a Foot Over Bridge (FOB) near the metro station. She alleges that there were no cautionary signs or indicators to warn motorists of ongoing construction work. The plea emphasizes that the absence of 'work in progress' boards and the presence of heavy machinery on the road contributed significantly to the mishap.
Kothare further asserts that despite her repeated requests, the investigating officer has not provided access to the CCTV footage of the incident. She believes that the footage could offer clarity regarding the exact sequence of events leading to the accident. The petition suggests that the police may be attempting to shield the contractor from liability, as there has been a lack of transparency in the investigation process.
The division bench, comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale, after hearing the matter, has mandated the preservation of all relevant evidence. This includes CCTV recordings from the vicinity of the accident and the mechanical inspection report of Kothare's car. The court's directive aims to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the incident.
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols at construction sites, especially in high-traffic urban areas. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for accountability in infrastructure projects and the enforcement of safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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