Nagpur: Ritika Malu, the main accused in the Ram Jhula accident case, was arrested by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) late Wednesday night at her home in Deshpande Layout, Wardhman Nagar. The Sessions Court denied her bail application on the same day and granted the CID permission to act 214 days after the accident.
Following her arrest, several dramatic developments occurred. In an unprecedented action, the First-Class Judicial Magistrate (JMFC) opened the courtroom at 10:30 PM, enabling the CID to proceed with the arrest. Notably, the court allowed the arrest of a female accused even after sunset.
Action Taken
A team of ten CID officers, including two female officials, entered a residence belonging to the Malu family after midnight to conduct a search operation. About 40 minutes later, the female officers left the house without Ritika Malu and proceeded to another bungalow belonging to the Malu family in the same lane. Around 1 AM, the female officers emerged from that bungalow with Ritika Malu, drawing a large crowd of neighbors.
What is the Case?
On February 24, Ritika Malu drove her vehicle at high speed on the Ram Jhula bridge, running over Mohammad Hussain Ghulam Mustafa and Mohammad Atif Mohammad Zia shortly after midnight. After the accident, Ritika and her friend Madhuri Shishir Sarda fled the scene. A few days later, both surrendered to the police and admitted to the incident. The Tehsil police subsequently filed a bailable case against them under Sections 297, 338, and 304(a) of the IPC.
Request to the Court
As per a Supreme Court ruling, a female accused cannot be arrested after sunset. However, if there are compelling reasons for the arrest or a risk of the accused fleeing the state or country, investigating officers can seek permission from the judge of the court handling the case. With the court’s approval, a female accused can be arrested even after sunset.
