MUMBAI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — A Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has granted bail to a 17-year-old boy involved in a fatal car accident that occurred in February near Somaiya College in Vidyavihar. The decision comes just two days after a Mumbai Sessions Court granted bail to the teenager’s father, Valaji Raja Bhushan, a 43-year-old businessman.
Chronology of the Case
The incident has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the “digital arrest” and reckless driving allegations.
- February 5, 2026: A Kia Seltos SUV, allegedly driven by the minor at high speed, collided with a scooter. The rider, Dhrumil Patel (33), sustained critical injuries, while his wife Meenal was also seriously hurt.
- February 15, 2026: Dhrumil Patel succumbed to his injuries after ten days on life support. Following his death, police upgraded the charges to Culpable Homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- March 4, 2026: The Sessions Court granted bail to the father, noting that prima facie he had no knowledge that his son had taken the car keys from the building watchman on the night of the crash.
- March 6, 2026: The JJB granted bail to the minor. While the detailed order is awaited, the teen had previously been granted temporary relief to appear for his Class 12 board exams.
Legal Arguments and Contention
The bail was fiercely opposed by the victim’s family, represented by advocate Ruben Mascarenhas.
- Social Media Evidence: The prosecution presented videos from the minor’s Instagram account showing him performing dangerous stunts, including driving a car while hanging out of the window. They argued this proved a pattern of reckless behavior known to the parents.
- Settlement Allegations: During the hearings, claims surfaced that the accused’s family offered ₹40 lakh as “blood money” to settle the case, while the defense alleged the victim’s side had demanded ₹15 crore.
- Next Legal Step: Advocate Mascarenhas has stated that the victim’s family intends to challenge the JJB’s bail order before the Bombay High Court.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Mumbai: JJB grants bail to teen in car accident case” (March 6, 2026)
- The Times of India: “Mumbai crash row: Teen’s father gets bail; Rs 40 lakh offer claim surface in court” (March 5, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: “Father gets bail in fatal Ghatkopar SUV crash; JJB follows suit for minor” (March 6, 2026)
- NDTV Profit: “Mumbai Hit-and-Run Case: Teen Driver Gets Bail Citing Class 12 Board Exams” (February 16, 2026)
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