SUV Fatality: Court Rejects Businessman's Bail Plea

A sessions court denied bail to a 41-year-old businessman, Ramesh Jatrara, accused of fatally injuring a four-year-old boy with his speeding SUV in a Malad East housing society basement on February 7, 2026. The court noted Jatrara's awareness that children were present and that his high-speed driving could cause fatal harm.

The judge also considered the victim's cousin's statement, alleging Jatrara had previously threatened to kill him over a parking dispute. This led to the addition of Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, under which the prosecution argued Jatrara intended to cause hurt.

The prosecution contended that releasing Jatrara could hinder the investigation, as evidence tampering or fleeing justice cannot be ruled out. They emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the victim's family's profound shock.

Conversely, the defense argued the incident was an accident, not intentional, and claimed Jatrara assisted in taking the child to the hospital. They suggested the severe charges were added due to family pressure and questioned the clarity of CCTV footage showing children playing. The court ultimately concluded that the gravity of the newly added charges outweighed the bail pleas, underscoring the need for an unimpeded investigation.