Mumbai Drunk-Driving Cases See Closer Police And Court Scrutiny Amid High-Profile Crashes

Mumbai, September 26, 2026: In recent years, police in Mumbai have been making arrests swiftly following high-profile drunk-driving and hit-and-run incidents, followed by extended custody or close judicial scrutiny of bail requests. Police have treated allegations of drunk driving, rash driving, fleeing from the scene, or causing death as serious offenses requiring immediate investigation and custody.

Courts have examined evidence tampering, witness influence, and the seriousness of the alleged conduct before granting bail, which remains a judicial decision. Notable cases include the Ghatkopar SUV crash in September 2025 where Bhavika Dama was arrested and subsequently granted medical bail by the Bombay High Court. The Worli BMW hit-and-run case in July 2024 saw Mihir Shah arrested two days later, leading to the court rejecting his bail plea in November 2025 due to concerns over evidence tampering and witness intimidation.

Hotelier Sabyasachi Nishank received bail in January 2025 but was ordered to stand at Worli Naka Junction for three months with a "Don't Drink and Drive" banner as a condition. Sandeep Bankar was accused of driving under the influence after hitting people at a bus stop and was eventually granted bail in December 2023. Police action in crash cases, such as the Ulhasnagar crash in December 2023 where Lavesh Kewalramani was arrested immediately, shows varying bail outcomes, with some accused remaining in custody for extended periods while others have had bail pleas rejected or granted under strict conditions.

Factors influencing bail decisions include evidence collection, social media scrutiny, and the accused's background.