Telangana high court refuses to quash case against Telangana ex-MLA in BMW crash cover-up

Hyderabad: Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana high court on Tuesday refused to quash the criminal case filed against former Bodhan MLA Shakil Aamir Mohammed, his son Raheel Aamir, and several associates in connection with the Dec 2023 Begumpet barricade incident. The judge directed all accused, including the former legislator, to appear before the trial court whenever summoned.

The case stems from an incident on Dec 24, 2023, when a speeding BMW rammed the barricades near the chief minister’s camp office in Begumpet, causing damage. Initially, the Panjagutta police registered a case naming Abdul Asif as the driver.

However, the investigation later revealed that the actual driver was Raheel, son of the former MLA. According to police, upon learning of the accident, Shakil allegedly pressured the Bodhan station house officer to coordinate with the Panjagutta SHO and falsely name Asif as the accused. The two SHOs involved were subsequently suspended and added as accused in the case. Prosecution against them is pending sanction from the state govt.

Public prosecutor Palle Nageswara Rao opposed the quash petitions, arguing that both Shakil and Raheel fled to Dubai and have been evading the investigation. Though allowed by the court to return to India to cooperate with authorities, the prosecution said they have failed to do so.

Raheel, after securing bail from the trial court, allegedly left the country and has since ignored police notices. His absence has stalled the investigation, preventing the filing of a chargesheet.

Police officials who responded at the scene on Dec 24 reportedly identified the driver and even conducted a medical test to determine if he was under the influence. A test identification parade is now pending, but it cannot proceed without Raheel’s presence.

Shalini Saxena, assisting the public prosecutor, informed the court that the investigation is at a standstill due to Raheel’s non-cooperation.

Justice Lakshman also dismissed a separate plea filed by M Hanuman Nani, another accused, who is alleged to have helped an SHO evade legal proceedings. The court reiterated that all accused must appear before the trial court and face trial as per procedure.