Mumbai Coastal Road crash: Ahmedabad origin BMW driver youth had prior cases for dangerous driving, drunken brawl

Mumbai: Shanay Gajjar, the 21-year-old student who was driving the BMW that plunged about 70 feet from the Coastal Road flyover near Lotus Jetty early Sunday, had previously faced two cases registered by Mumbai Police.

Gajjar, along with Ahmedabad residents Dhairya Sheth (17) and Aditya Jaskania (19), died in the crash. Another occupant, Aditya Oswal (23), suffered multiple injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The BMW was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali on the northbound carriageway when the accident occurred. Police said the impact was severe, with one of the victims reportedly thrown around 20 feet from the vehicle. Another was found outside the car, while Gajjar was partly inside the vehicle with his leg on the accelerator.

All four victims were from Ahmedabad.

Previous cases against Gajjar

Tardeo police on Monday registered a case against Gajjar for allegedly causing death by negligence, rash driving and dangerous driving.

In March, Gamdevi police had registered a case against him for allegedly driving dangerously and endangering the lives of others.

In August, Bandra police also filed a case against Gajjar and three of his friends for allegedly obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions and under provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. The four were served notices and allowed to leave.

The four had allegedly been involved in a fight after partying at a pub on the night of August 19-20. They initially left after police intervened but allegedly began arguing again on the road. Police intervened a second time after which, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, the four argued with the police and were subsequently taken into custody when they were asked to leave.

They were taken to Bandra police station and later to Bhabha Hospital for medical tests. A police officer said they refused medical examination and blood tests, and the medical officer recorded their refusal.

Earlier speeding case

On March 29,  Omkar Shirke, 29, a businessman and resident of Tardeo had lodged an FIR against the driver of a BMW bearing registration number DD 01 C 6302. He told police that on the night of March 28, while he was travelling towards his residence, a speeding BMW passed dangerously close to him.

Shirke later spotted the car near Mahalaxmi temple and questioned the driver, who allegedly gave evasive replies. Police subsequently issued a notice to Gajjar.

A case was registered against him under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving and Sections 125 and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to acts endangering the life or personal safety of others and rash driving or riding on a public way.