Woman Remanded in Custody After Fatal Bandra West Car Crash Involving Eight-Year-Old

A Bandra magistrate court on Monday remanded 45-year-old health coach and nutritionist Megha Rawal in police custody for one day following a road accident in Bandra West that claimed the life of eight-year-old Ansh Gupta.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Rawal was returning home in her Innova Crysta. According to police, the vehicle allegedly knocked down Ansh while he was crossing the road. The child succumbed to his injuries, dying just days ahead of his birthday on September 2. He was the only child of his parents.

Eyewitnesses and the victim's family alleged that Rawal was speaking on her mobile phone when the collision took place. The boy's father, Arvind Gupta, further alleged that the vehicle hit the child twice, while his mother demanded justice and claimed the driver was under the influence of alcohol and distracted by her phone.

Preliminary investigations by police found no initial evidence that Rawal was driving under the influence of alcohol. However, investigators have sent her blood sample for forensic analysis to confirm the findings. Police are also examining call detail records, reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area, and verifying her driving licence and vehicle registration details.

Appearing for Rawal, defence lawyer Amar Paragonkar termed the incident an unfortunate accident. Paragonkar opposed the invocation of culpable homicide charges against her, arguing in court that there was neither intent nor knowledge behind the crash.