In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has mandated a re-investigation into a two-wheeler accident that resulted in the death of Sachin Ghatage on September 12, 2020. The court’s directive follows criticisms of the initial police investigation, which were deemed inadequate.
Sachin Ghatage, who was 38 years old, was riding his Activa scooter on the Mumbai-Goa National Highway near Mauje Kalambani Budruk Village, in front of Happy Dhaba, when he was involved in a fatal accident. The prosecution had alleged that Ghatage was not wearing a helmet, was speeding, and collided with the rear wheel of a 10-wheeler container truck that was parked in reverse near the central divider.
Representing Ghatage’s mother, Asha Ghatage, Advocates Reshma Mutha and Sandip Agre contested these claims, arguing that the truck’s illegal parking and its absence of parking lights or indicators were the primary causes of the accident. They presented CCTV footage from Happy Dhaba, which they claimed showed that Ghatage was riding at a slow speed in the correct lane when the accident occurred. They further alleged that the truck driver fled the scene, leaving Ghatage in a critical condition.
The advocates accused the police of failing to properly identify the truck and its driver, and of deliberately concealing this information. They argued that the initial investigation was flawed and that the truck’s illegal parking was the main factor in the accident.
During a hearing before Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, Additional Public Prosecutor Kranti Hiwrale confirmed that a re-investigation would be undertaken, including a fresh examination of CCTV footage and, if necessary, the re-recording of witness statements. The court acknowledged the deficiencies in the police investigation and has adjourned the hearing of Asha Ghatage’s petition for two weeks.
The re-investigation aims to address the lapses in the original probe and to ensure that justice is served in this tragic case. The court is expected to continue its examination of the case on September 4, 2024.
