Worli Hit-and-Run: Mihir Shah Moves Bombay HC for Bail, Denies Driving Fatal Porsche

Mumbai finds itself gripped by the latest development in the high-profile Worli hit-and-run case. Mihir Shah, the businessman accused of causing the death of a pedestrian, Rahul Mistry, in November last year, has taken his legal battle to the Bombay High Court, seeking bail after his applications were rejected by lower courts.

The tragic incident unfolded on the night of November 17, 2023, when a speeding Porsche, allegedly driven by Shah, struck and fatally injured Rahul Mistry on the Worli sea face.

Following the accident, the driver reportedly fled the scene, leaving Mistry to succumb to his injuries. Shah was subsequently arrested, and the investigation revealed startling claims and counter-claims.

Shah's legal team, led by senior counsel Amit Desai and advocate Niranjan Mundargi, presented a compelling argument before Justice N J Jamadar.

They contended that it was not Mihir Shah but his driver, Santosh Singh, who was at the wheel of the luxury car that fateful night. Shah's lawyers assert that their client was merely a passenger, intoxicated, and that Singh had even confessed to the police about driving the vehicle. They further argued that Shah is a young professional with no prior criminal record, posing no flight risk, and that with the investigation largely complete, his continued incarceration is unnecessary.

However, the prosecution, represented by APP A A Takalkar, vehemently opposes Shah's bail plea.

The police's narrative paints a different picture, claiming that CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts firmly place Mihir Shah in the driver's seat. They allege that Santosh Singh's confession was a deliberate attempt to shield Shah from legal repercussions and that Shah himself tried to mislead the investigation from the outset.

The prosecution emphasizes the gravity of the offence – rash and negligent driving leading to a fatality – and the public interest in ensuring justice is served, particularly given the attempts to subvert the investigation.

The case has been fraught with twists, including conflicting statements and the challenge of establishing culpability in what appears to be a clear attempt to evade responsibility.

The initial denial of bail by the lower courts underscores the seriousness with which the authorities view the allegations against Shah.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Bombay High Court is set to delve into the intricate details and conflicting evidence surrounding the Worli hit-and-run.

The outcome of Mihir Shah's bail plea will undoubtedly be a significant development in this closely watched case, determining whether he will secure temporary freedom or remain in custody as the judicial process unfolds.