Nagpur, India- Ritika Malu, the prime accused in the February Ram Jhula accident that claimed two lives, has alleged that Tehsil Police forced her into stating she was surrendering voluntarily in a statement taken on July 1. She asserts she was, in fact, illegally detained by the police.

In response to the revision applications filed by Tehsil Police before the district and sessions court, Malu claimed she received a call from Police Inspector Sandeep Bua on June 30 at 6 pm, instructing her to come to the police station immediately. During the one-minute call, she informed the police she would arrive the next morning.

On July 1, Malu went to the police station, where an officer asked her to write that she was surrendering. She refused, stating that she was subsequently detained. Her husband, Dinesh Malu, objected and sent an email to the DCP and Tehsil Police Station, stating that she had been held without being informed of the reasons.

Malu further alleged that the prosecution was not adhering to legal procedures and was submitting unfounded applications contrary to the law. 

The prosecution has filed a revision application against a JMFC order dated July 9, 2024, which denied permission to arrest Malu. Another revision application seeks to overturn the JMFC’s refusal of PCR and its declaration of Malu’s arrest as illegal.

Senior advocate Chandrashekhar Jaltare, representing Malu, argued that the JMFC’s order was correct and accused the prosecution of confusing and misleading itself. He highlighted that the JMFC had denied permission to arrest Malu on April 3, 2024, and refused to cancel her bail. The state government had filed a revision application, but surprisingly withdrew it on July 8. Jaltare emphasized that the prosecution must explain this withdrawal and its subsequent actions.

Assistant public prosecutor Rashmi Khaparde contended that Malu’s arrest was essential for completing the investigation into the Ram Jhula accident. She is set to continue her arguments on Tuesday before the sessions court.