Mumbai: Amid the countrywide uproar over his son Mihir Shah’s alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run case, Rajesh Shah was on Wednesday removed as deputy leader of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.
Shiv Sena (Shinde) secretary Sanjay More issued a one-line notice saying Rajesh had been relieved from the post of deputy leader, but will continue to be a party member.
Rajesh was arrested hours after Mihir rammed a BMW into a bike-borne couple from the fishing community, killing the wife. Rajesh was subsequently released on bail even as Mihir was absconding.
The main accused, who was finally nabbed on Tuesday evening, was on Wednesday sent to police custody till July 16.
Rajesh has admitted to driving the luxury car when it hit the two-wheeler from behind in Worli. However, the 24-year-old has denied reports that he was drunk at the time.
Police had sought maximum possible custody of Mihir, arguing that he tried to destroy evidence after the accident and evade arrest by altering his appearance.
The court was told that Mihir’s custody is needed to work out how he managed to evade arrest for nearly 72 hours and identify all those, including family members, who helped him.
Police said Mihit also needs to be questioned about the vehicle’s ownership details.
Mihir cut his hair short and trimmed his beard, police told the court.
“Hence an investigation is required. The number plate (of the BMW, which reportedly broke on impact and was discarded by Shah) has not been found… The accused cut his hair and beard… it was an attempt to mislead the police,” police argued.
