Police in Thane refused on Wednesday to initiate a complaint against a BJP legislator’s wife who rammed her Rs 5.5-crore Lamborghini into an auto last week, saying the auto driver had to first lodge a case.
But sources said the auto driver in question ran away from the spot after the August 27 accident when locals told him of the political influence wielded by the driver, Suman Mehta, wife of Narendra Mehta, BJP MLA from Mira-Bhayander. The accident occurred within the constituency in Bhayander (East).
“He may have brought a passenger from either Mira Road to the Bhayander school area and parked his vehicle and went out, when the car rammed into his stationary vehicle,” said an auto driver.
Narendra Mehta had gifted the car to his wife on her birthday. Witnesses say Suman lost control of the car seconds after she started driving while trying to take a turn and rammed it into the stationary auto rickshaw. No one was hurt but the rickshaw’s headlight and outer shell were damaged.
The driver didn’t press charges as Mehta compensated for the damages, sources said. The MLA, however, denied paying any compensation.
{{/usCountry}}The driver didn’t press charges as Mehta compensated for the damages, sources said. The MLA, however, denied paying any compensation.
{{/usCountry}}Police said they could only get involved when the victim lodged a complaint. “The Navghar police cannot go and lodge a complaint on our own,” said NM Bhosle, deputy superintendent of police, Mira Road Circle.
A senior police official told HT a case under Section 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) could have been filed had the driver complained. In case of injuries, sections 337 and 338 (causing hurt) could also have been applied.
The MLA alleged a viral video of the incident was morphed and shot by his detractors for political reasons. “Opposition political parties are behind it to defame me, as I am the MLA of Mira - Bhayander and affiliated to the BJP.”