PANAJI
The ‘crucial, prime witness’ in the Banastarim fatal mishap -- Meghana -- along with one of her triplets (all aged nine years) deposed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Ponda on Monday.
The procedure of recording statements of mother and child lasted for around four hours and was carried out separately to ensure there was no interference.
Sources said the JMFC set a date of Wednesday to record statements of the other two underage children under sections 164 CrPC.
Sources said that the Crime Branch that launched its investigation last weekend has not yet confirmed the witnesses’ claim that Meghana was driving the Mercedes Benz GA-07-K-7311 on the unfortunate evening of August 6.
“Our investigation is in its preliminary stage. As stated earlier, we will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case to ensure justice for the victims,” an officer told The Goan.
The witnesses asserted that the couple misled the police by stating that Paresh was the one driving the vehicle whereas the truth is that Meghana was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, and she was under the influence of alcohol.
Paresh is charged with driving in a drunken state, resulting in the death of three victims and causing serious injuries to three-four others.
Meghana, who is currently on interim anticipatory bail, had also filed a separate plea before the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging summons issued by the then investigating team “ Mardol police. Paresh, on the other hand, is serving judicial custody in the Colvale Central Jail.
