The family of 33-year-old businessman Dhrumil Patel, who died after a high-speed SUV allegedly driven by a 17-year-old crashed into his scooter in Vidyavihar, has alleged that the teenager’s father attempted to pay them Rs 40 lakh to resolve the matter privately, reported Free Press Journal. According to the family, the offer was made in an effort to settle the case following the fatal collision. They claim the proposal was unacceptable and have decided to pursue justice through legal channels. The tragic incident has sparked serious concerns about accountability and the alleged misuse of influence in the aftermath of the accident.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Zone 6, the family stated that the accused has been using his wealth and social standing to interfere with the investigation from the very beginning. Dhrumil’s uncle, Mahesh, through advocate Ruben Mascarenhas, filed an intervention plea in the metropolitan magistrate court in Vikhroli. The application seeks permission for the victim’s family to be heard during proceedings related to the bail request filed by the juvenile’s father. The court accepted the plea on Wednesday and scheduled a hearing for Friday before deciding on the bail application.
The father of the minor has sought bail, maintaining that his son had taken the vehicle without his knowledge or approval at the time of the accident. However, the victim’s family has contested this claim in their intervention application. They argued that as both the parent of the underage driver and the registered owner of the SUV, he carries significant responsibility for the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. The family has also alleged that the teenager had previously engaged in reckless behaviour and dangerous stunts, evidence of which was later removed.