Complainant in Worli hit-and-run case, who lost his wife in mishap, tells police politically connected accused has hired men to keep watch on his family
The BMW involved in the incident on the premises of the Worli police station. FILE PIC/SHADAB KHAN; (left) Pradeep Nakhwa holds a complaint letter to the Worli police highlighting his fears
Pradeep Nakhwa, the survivor, complainant, and key witness in the case where a BMW occupied by the son of a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader rammed into a scooter last year, has approached the Worli police, stating that following the incident — which claimed his wife’s life — his family and he were in danger and that men had been deployed to keep a watch on him, creating an atmosphere of fear.
In a written complaint submitted at the Worli police station on December 18, Nakhwa said he had repeatedly felt that someone was following him, and his suspicion deepened after an unknown person allegedly made inquiries about him with one of his acquaintances. In his complaint, he also alleged the involvement of the main accused, Mihir Shah, and his father, Rajesh Shah.
Mihir Shah, the prime accused; (right) Rajesh Shah, Mihir’s father and Shiv Sena leader. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Nakhwa said that the situation had left his family deeply shaken. He claimed that the safety of his two children has also been compromised, leading to constant fear and anxiety at home. “Because of this, there is an atmosphere of terror hanging over my family,” he stated in the complaint. According to Nakhwa, the alleged surveillance and intimidation were aimed at pressuring him in connection with the Worli hit-and-run case. He has urged the police to register an offence and initiate immediate legal action, citing a credible threat to his life.
‘Claims are false’
Defence advocate Jay K Bhardwaj said he had represented Mihir Shah since the inception of the case and that, at no stage before any court, had the prosecution alleged that Shah or his family attempted to contact or influence the complainant or any witness.
Worli Koliwada resident Kaveri Nakhwa (right), who lost her life in the hit-and-run incident, with her husband Pradeep. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
He stated, “The claims now being made are false and devoid of merit. The defence has always acted strictly within the framework of the law, with full faith in the judicial system.” When contacted regarding the matter, Worli police station’s Senior Police Inspector Arvind Patil said he would need to gather information about the incident before commenting
Political aspect
Rajesh Shah was the deputy leader of the Shiv Sena in Palghar at the time of the incident. He was known to be a close aide of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Mihir Shah is produced in the Sewri court on July 10, 2024. File pic/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
His proximity to the Shinde predated the 2022 Shiv Sena split, and he was well regarded within the party for his management skills and his ability to network among various communities in and around Palghar. The hit-and-run case has drawn significant public attention, and Nakhwa’s complaint adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing legal proceedings, raising concerns over witness safety in high-profile cases.
The Worli hit-and-run
According to the police, early on July 7, 2024, a BMW occupied by Mihir Shah and his driver Rajrishi Bidawat allegedly rammed into a two-wheeler ridden by Worli Koliwada residents and fish sellers Pradeep Nakhwa and his wife Kaveri near Atria Mall in Worli. Following the collision, Kaveri was dragged for a considerable distance. The car was stopped before the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, after which Mihir and Bidawat stepped out and detached Kaveri, who was stuck under the vehicle, placing her in front of the car. Thereafter, Bidawat allegedly got into the driver’s seat and again drove the vehicle over her. The accused then fled towards the Kalanagar area in Bandra East. Mihir Shah’s father, Rajesh, and Bidawat were subsequently arrested. While Rajesh has since been granted bail, Mihir remains in judicial custody. His bail plea was rejected by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.
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