Bandra court sends Megha Rawal to judicial custody in crash case involving eight-year-old

Eight-year-old Ansh Ravindra Gupta was declared dead at Holy Family Hospital around 3.45pm on Sunday after an Innova Crysta allegedly struck him in Bandra West.

Megha Rawal, 45, who police say was driving the vehicle, was produced before the Bandra Court on Tuesday after her police custody ended. The court sent her to judicial custody. Ansh’s family and local residents gathered outside the court, seeking strict action.

An auto-rickshaw driver reportedly took the injured child to the hospital. Bandra Police reached the spot after being alerted by bystanders, conducted a panchnama and later arrested Rawal.

Police have registered offences under Sections 105, 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The provisions relate to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and dangerous driving, and acts endangering life.

An eyewitness’s claim that the driver was on the phone and travelling at high speed will be independently verified, police said. Ansh’s parents have also alleged that Rawal had been drinking and tried to leave the spot; those allegations are part of the ongoing investigation. The RTO will inspect the SUV, registration number 24 BH 0455 B, to establish the circumstances of the crash.