02 June,2026 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
ASI Krishnakant Mishra, who sustained a fractured hip in the collision. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
More than a week after a luxury car ploughed into two policemen during a late-night checking operation at Marine Drive, the focus has now shifted to the recovery of the seriously injured officer and the impending bail hearing of the driver, Nihal Arjun Solanki.
Maharashtra State Security Corporation Jawan Ajay Rathod
According to investigators, the incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, when a police team was conducting routine vehicle checks at Marine Drive. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Krishnakant Mishra allegedly signalled a red Mercedes to slow down and stop at the barricade. Instead, the driver allegedly accelerated through the checkpoint, striking both policemen before fleeing.
The Mercedes driven by the accused
The impact left Mishra with serious injuries, triggering a massive search operation. Senior officers, including Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade and Deputy Commissioner of Police Manish Kalwania, directed a team led by JJ Marg police officers to trace the vehicle.
Investigators relied on CCTV footage and vehicle registration records to trace the Mercedes. The probe led the police to Solanki's family in Vasai-Virar. By the time officers reached the residence, the accused and the vehicle were missing. Using technical surveillance and mobile phone location data, police tracked Solanki to Vapi in Gujarat, where he was found in the company of two women. He was subsequently arrested and booked under charges, including attempt to murder.
Accused Nihal Arjun Solanki, who is the son of a Vasai-Virar builder
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Krishnakant Mishra, who sustained a fractured hip in the collision, is convalescing at Bombay Hospital. Doctors are monitoring his condition and recovery process, police sources said. Maharashtra State Security Corporation Jawan Ajay Rathod, who was also injured in the incident, has since been discharged.
Nihal Arjun Solanki, son of a Vasai-Virar-based builder, is in judicial custody. His bail application is scheduled to come up for hearing before the court on June 3. The hearing is expected to be closely watched as the prosecution and is likely to highlight the seriousness of the injuries suffered by the police personnel, particularly ASI Mishra, who remains under medical care.
