On August 20, a special court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) granted bail to 21-year-old Nihal Arjun Solanki after nearly three months in custody. Solanki was arrested on May 24 for allegedly driving an uninsured Mercedes while drunk, crashing through a police checkpoint at Marine Drive’s NS Road Junction, and fleeing the scene. The crash severely injured Assistant Sub-Inspector Krishnakant Mishra, who suffered multiple fractures and now requires knee replacement surgery.
ASI Krishnakant Mishra, who sustained a fractured hip in the collision
High-speed escape
According to the prosecution, the Mercedes allegedly approached the checkpoint at high speed despite repeated signals to stop, smashed through a barricade and struck police personnel before fleeing towards BD Somani Junction.
The Mercedes allegedly driven by Nihal Arjun Solanki at Marine Drive on May 24. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The settlement
As the vehicle lacked insurance coverage, the court referred the compensation matter to the Mediation Centre on August 11. The dispute was amicably resolved with a signed Rs 22 lakh compensation settlement between Solanki and the injured officer. However, the court explicitly clarified that this financial settlement only resolves the compensation aspect and does not clear Solanki of criminal liability or reflect on the merits of the ongoing case.
Restrictions
Solanki has been granted bail on a Rs 50,000 personal bond with sureties. He cannot leave Mumbai and Thane without prior court permission, must surrender his passport, if any, and has to regularly attend the trial.
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