Mumbai: Marathi actor Urmila Kothare has moved the Bombay High Court, seeking the transfer of the investigation into a fatal accident involving her car, from the Samta Nagar police station to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. She has alleged bias in the probe and claimed that crucial evidence, including CCTV footage, has not been provided despite repeated requests.
A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale, on Wednesday, issued a notice to the authorities and directed the police to preserve the CCTV footage of the accident and the vehicle’s Mechanical Inspection Report.
The incident occurred on December 28, 2024, near Poisar Metro Station in Kandivali when Kothare’s driver, Gajanan Pal, allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The car, a Hyundai, hit two construction workers at the site, resulting in the death of one and injuries to the other. Kothare, seated in the back seat, and her driver also sustained injuries and were hospitalised. Pal was later arrested but granted bail by a magistrate court.
In her petition, filed through advocate Amarendra Mishra, Kothare contended that the accident was caused due to the negligence of the contractor, Skill Infrabuild LLP, which was carrying out metro construction work on the Western Express Highway. She alleged that no ‘caution’ or ‘work in progress’ signs were placed at the site, and heavy machinery, including JCBs, was stationed on the road without proper warning. The plea claimed that the machinery was later removed without proper documentation.
Kothare also argued that the investigation was unfair, as the police seemed to be shielding the contractor. She pointed out that several CCTV cameras were installed at the accident spot, but the investigating officer (IO) had only given “evasive” replies regarding the footage. The plea stated that the officer was withholding key details, leading to doubts about the fairness of the probe.
State’s advocate Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the IO might not have shared all investigation details due to the ongoing probe but assured that she would seek instructions from the senior police inspector. Following this, the court issued a direction to preserve all crucial evidence.
Kothare has urged the court to transfer the probe to the Crime Branch to ensure an impartial investigation. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 17.
