A 19-year-old engineering student arrested in connection with an August 18 hit-and-run in Vile Parle West was produced before a magistrate on Sunday and subsequently released on a bail bond of ₹5,000, according to reports from the Free Press Journal and Lokmat Times.
The case concerns a collision involving 15-year-old Samika Kaur Ghai, who was hit in Vile Parle West. Juhu police said the accused possessed a valid driving licence. His arrest stemmed from allegations that he fled after the collision without offering assistance to the minor, as reported by both outlets.
During questioning, the student told police that a passing auto had created a blind spot, which he cited as a contributing factor in the incident. He also said he remained at the spot for around 10 minutes before leaving out of fear.
The police did not immediately elaborate on further investigation steps in the extracts seen.
Arrest and Bail
The 19-year-old was produced before a magistrate on Sunday, after which he was released on a bail bond of ₹5,000. Both Free Press Journal and Lokmat Times reported the bail amount, and the outlets noted that Juhu police said the accused had a valid driving licence.
While the bail amount appears modest, it is a bond that allows the accused to go free pending further proceedings, without cash deposit.
The Incident and the Allegations
What is known, according to reports from the two outlets, is that the crash occurred on August 18 in Vile Parle West, involving a 15-year-eld girl, Samika Kaur Ghai. The police alleged that the student left the spot after the collision without offering assistance.
The student's account, as reported by both Free Press Journal and Lokmot Times, is that a passing auto created a blind spot, which he claimed was a contributing factor. He also told police he stayed at the scene for about 10 minutes before leaving because he was frightened, according to the reports.
The collision caused injuries to the what extent has not been specified in the available reports.
The Student's Explanation
The student's explanation for leaving the scene-as cited by both outlets-is that he was afraid. He also pointed to the auto's blind spot as hindering his view. The police have not commented on the validity of this explanation.
Other reports from the two organizations highlight that during questioning, the student repeated the version that he got scared and left, and police said he was co-operative, though that is not directly out. The full context of the crash and its aftermath are not fully known from these accounts.