“Social Media Influencer Priya Singh Severely Injured in Car Attack: Ashwajit Anil Gaikwad Named Accused”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Thane (Maharashtra) [India], December 17, 2023 – The Thane Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the incident involving Ashwajit Anil Gaikwad, the son of a senior bureaucrat, who allegedly attempted to run over his girlfriend, a social media influencer, with his car. The SIT, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amar Singh Jadhav, will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Commissioner of Police Thane Jai Jeet Singh stated, “The SIT has been formed to investigate the incident involving Ashwajit Anil Gaikwad and others who have been named as accused. The case is being examined from all angles, and witness statements are being recorded, along with gathering forensic evidence.”

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday near a hotel on Ghodbunder Road, where the victim, identified as Priya Singh, had gone to meet Ashwajit. An argument broke out between Priya, Ashwajit, and two other individuals named Romil Patil and Sagar. During the altercation, Ashwajit allegedly tried to run over Priya with his car, causing severe injuries. She was immediately admitted to the hospital, where her statement was recorded by the police. A case has been registered against the three accused individuals under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Priya Singh, while recounting her ordeal, revealed that she had been in a relationship with Ashwajit for four and a half years. Unaware of his marital status, Priya claimed that Ashwajit had assured her that he was separated from his wife and wanted to marry her. However, on that fateful night, Priya discovered that Ashwajit was still with his wife, leading to a heated argument between them.

Priya suffered multiple severe injuries, including three broken bones in her right leg that required surgery. She also sustained grave injuries from her left shoulder to her hips. Unable to move her body, Priya filed an FIR on the day of the incident, but no action was initially taken. It was only after she shared her story on social media that the police came out in her support.

The Thane Police have registered a case against Ashwajit and the other accused individuals under IPC sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). The investigation is ongoing based on Priya’s statement.

Priya Singh’s lawyer, Darshana Pawar, expressed concern over the nature of her client’s injuries and argued that Section 307 of the IPC, which pertains to attempted murder, should be added to the charges against the accused. The lawyer has requested the investigating officers to include sections 307 and 356, but no action has been taken thus far. If the police do not comply, the lawyer plans to approach the high court for further action.

The incident has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing support for Priya Singh. The Thane Police’s prompt response to the incident and their formation of an SIT reflects their commitment to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice for the victim..