BMW crash case: Shive Sena removes Rajesh Shah, accused's father from party post

New Delhi: Rajesh Shah, a leader in Shiv Sena and father of Mihir Shah, who is accused in a BMW hit-and-run case, was removed from his role as deputy leader of the party on Wednesday. This decision was made by order of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Later a brief statement from Shiv Sena's secretary Sanjay More announced Rajesh Shah's removal from the deputy leader position, although he remains a member of the party.

Details of the incident 

Mihir Shah admitted to driving the BMW involved in a crash with a two-wheeler in Worli, Mumbai on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman and several injuries to her husband. He refused driving under the influence of alcohol. Following the accident, Mihir fled the scene and evaded police until his arrest in Virar by Mumbai Police on Tuesday.

Rajesh Shah was also briefly arrested on Sunday, soon after the incident, but was released on bail on Monday after paying Rs 15,000. Police had earlier accused him of aiding his son's escape and planning to remove the luxury BMW car from the scene after the crash.

The accident happened early Sunday morning when Mihir's BMW rear-ended a two-wheeler in Worli, resulting in the death of Kaveri Nakhwa and injuries to her husband Pradeep. Mihir left the scene abandoning his car and driver. After eluding authorities for two days, he was eventually apprehended by Mumbai Police.

Demolition of bar 

In another development related to the incident, authorities demolished part of a bar in Mumbai's Juhu area which Mihir and friends had reportedly visited Saturday night, just hours before the crash. Officials disclosed that despite being under the legal drinking age of 25 in Maharashtra, Mihir was served hard liquor at the bar.