Hyderabad: Telangana High Court Upholds Further Investigations in Jubilee Hills Accident Case
The Telangana High Court has affirmed the Nampally Criminal Court’s decision to conduct further investigations into the tragic Jubilee Hills accident involving Mohammed Raheel Aamir, the son of former BRS MLA Shakeel Aamir. This ruling pertains to a 2022 incident that resulted in the death of a two-month-old boy and left two others seriously injured.
Background of the Case
The fatal accident occurred on March 17, 2022, when a vehicle allegedly driven by Raheel struck and killed the infant while injuring his mother and a street vendor. Initially, police apprehended Raheel’s friend, Syed Afnan Ahmed, who claimed responsibility by confessing to driving the car at the time of the incident.
However, suspicions arose regarding the influence of Raheel’s father, who was accused of leveraging his political connections to protect his son from potential legal consequences.
Recent Developments
On June 26, 2023, Raheel filed a petition challenging the reopening of the case, asserting that an investigation had already concluded. His legal team argued that the trial court’s directive for further investigation violated Section 173(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), claiming the court had erred in its orders.
In response, government pleader Mahesh Raje contended that the original investigation was flawed, citing significant lapses in procedural integrity. He emphasized the need for a thorough reassessment of the case, prompting the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Jubilee Hills to delegate an inspector to undertake a renewed investigation.
Justice K. Sujatha ultimately dismissed Raheel’s petition, concluding that the trial court’s orders for additional inquiry were warranted and legally sound.
Scrutiny of the Investigation
The police investigation has faced intense scrutiny regarding its comprehensiveness, with allegations that crucial evidence—such as CCTV footage and fingerprint analysis—was inadequately pursued during the initial inquiry. Recent developments suggest that law enforcement is now re-evaluating the case, spurred by new evidence and testimonies that indicate possible misconduct in the handling of the original investigation.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the complex interplay of law, accountability, and the influence of political power within the judicial system. The Telangana High Court’s ruling marks a critical step towards ensuring justice for the victims of this tragic incident.
