Ram Jhula Accident Case: Adjourned For 100 Days Before Hearing

Nagpur: The 10th hearing for framing of charges in the Ram Jhula hit-and-run case was adjourned on Monday, leaving families of the two deceased youngsters with no option but to wait for another 100 days — Sept 2.At the Sessions Court hearing on Monday, the additional public prosecutor was caught by surprise when the court extended the date even before she could reach the courtroom and argue the matter. She was learnt to have promptly filed an application, highlighting that neither the prosecution nor victims' families were heard, before granting the long adjournment. "The prosecution wants a quick trial. The victims' family cannot wait till eternity. Justice delayed is justice denied," said a victim's kin.The delay pushed the total wait beyond 821 days since the accident on Ram Jhula on Feb 25, 2024, snuffed out two lives, Muhammad Hussain Mustafa and Muhammad Atif. A speeding Mercedes, allegedly driven by Ritika Maloo in an inebriated state, rammed the moped ridden by the duo.Hussain, a software engineer and the sole breadwinner of his family, died on the spot, while Atif succumbed to injuries hours later. Blood tests confirmed presence of alcohol in Maloo's system, leading to charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. An offence of destruction of evidence was also registered.The economically weak families were devastated. The case was transferred to the State CID following intervention of Bombay High Court, which directed fast-track investigation to ensure justice. Despite these orders and a detailed chargesheet, the trial has been plagued by repeated delays, what the family calls "tareekh pe tareekh" culture in the sessions court."Our pain was compounded when Hussain's father, Ghulam Mustafa, died on March 26 this year, unable to bear the trauma of waiting for justice," said victim Atif's elder brother Atik. "We are getting long dates. Can anyone understand our pain," asked Atik.Mohammad Atik, brother of Atif, has been relentlessly fighting the battle alone. He has already approached the principal district judge and the high court's administrative judge, seeking transfer of the case to a less burdened court for speedy hearing.