Nagpur: A sessions court has taken a decisive stand by ordering a full trial against high-profile accused Ritika Maloo for culpable homicide, a severe criminal charge that carries a potential sentence of 10-year imprisonment.The legal development stems from a tragic late-night crash on Ram Jhula bridge in February 2024 when a speeding luxury vehicle driven by Maloo collided with a scooter, killing two young men — Mohd Mustafa Hussain and Mohd Atif.The defence claimed Ritika should be tried for negligence, while allegations against her husband Dinesh and co-passenger Sharda were ‘groundless’.Law enforcement and forensic investigators produced evidence, including reports from Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, which confirmed Maloo was driving under the influence of liquor. However, the defence team attempted a surprising argument saying whether driving under influence of alcohol and driving after consuming alcohol were the same.Prosecutors, however, argued that operating a powerful car at dangerous speeds under the influence of liquor shows total disregard for human safety. Such reckless behaviour easily crosses the legal line of mere negligence into culpable homicide instead of treating it as a simple traffic accident.The defence apparently suggested that because alcohol was consumed under official rules of an elite private club, it should somehow excuse dangerous driving or reduce severity of charges.The presiding judge firmly and clearly rejected the defence strategy. The court pointed out that having a permit to drink alcohol inside a private establishment does not give anyone the licence to drive recklessly and endanger lives on the street.While noting that all details and final intents will be thoroughly tested during the upcoming trial, the judge ruled there is more than enough primary evidence to move forward with severe criminal charges.The court order also applies to other individuals involved in the chaotic aftermath of the crash. The prosecution presented evidence showing that co-passenger (Madhuri Sarda) had fled the scene, Ritika’s husband Dinesh had helped hide his wife who was behind the wheels, and also cleaned the car to get rid of forensic evidence and obstruct justice.Although defence lawyers tried to explain these actions away by citing fear, panic, and potential crowd hostility, the judge decided these excuses must be examined during the trial rather than used to dismiss charges at an early stage.This ruling is a major turning point in a high-stakes case that has dominated local headlines for months, said a prosecution source. The trial will officially begin mid-September.Talking to TOI, victim Atif’s brother Atik said, “Wealth, social status, and club permits cannot protect anyone from accountability when human lives are lost.”
