Says deeper questioning vital to establish what led to fatal crash
The Additional Sessions Court, Merces has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of 35-year-old Ritesh Shirgaonkar, accused of driving a car into a canal at Assonora, which resulted in the death of his friend, Dipesh Mandrekar.
In a detailed order, Judge Kshama Joshi ruled that custodial interrogation was essential to establish the circumstances of the late-night incident and determine whether the offence amounts to culpable homicide or a lesser charge.
“The co-operation of the applicant is necessary in order to know the details of the occurrence… From the case papers, there is a prima facie case made out against the applicant,” the court noted.
Shirgaonkar is accused of driving a white Zen car allegedly under the influence of alcohol and taking it into a hilly area near a water canal in a rash and negligent manner. The vehicle plunged into the canal and drowned, killing Mandrekar, who was seated in the co-driver’s seat.
The defence maintained that the incident was a pure accident, arguing the absence of motive and insisting that blood alcohol levels must exceed 30 mg per 100 ml to invoke stronger charges against him. He further claimed that Shirgaonkar had cooperated fully and did not require custodial interrogation.
The prosecution countered that the accused was withholding crucial information, including the reason for visiting an isolated location at night. “The case papers included a medical report recording 20 mg of alcohol in his blood, with the attending doctor stating he was “not in a position to take care of himself,” the prosecution said.
The Court thereafter opined that custodial interrogation was needed while dismissing his plea.
