Driver who ran high-end car over stray dog held by Worli police

Laddu, the stray, received external injuries due to accident and is currently under observation; (right) the Maserati Granturismo ran over the stray while taking a U-turn on Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road in Worli

The owner of a high-end car was arrested by Worli police on Monday for running over a stray dog. The arrest was made based on a video of the accident captured by a local dog feeder.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon. The video, which has gone viral, shows the driver talking over the phone while driving a Maserati Granturismo at a high speed while the dog, named Laddu, was seen running behind it. The driver then took a U-turn on Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road in Worli, during which the dog came in front of the vehicle and was run over.

Cyrus Dhabhar, a local, had captured the incident in a video and shared it on social media. Aditya Natrajan, gaming consultant and dog feeder, said, "I received a video from Dhabhar which showed the entire incident. After watching it, I rushed to the spot with my friend Rushabh Patel and found Laddu in injured condition on the road. We took him to the local clinic and gave treatment. Laddu received external injuries and yet not found any internal injuries."

He then approached Worli police based on which cops started an investigation.

During the preliminary probe, it was found that the vehicle was registered in the name of Siddharth Asar, a businessman from Worli who was arrested in 2008 for running over 16 footpath dwellers and injuring them. Cops then called Asar who said he had sold the car to a dealer card in 2020. The car, however, still is registered under Asar's name. When the dealer was approached, he led the police to the current owner of the vehicle, identified as Sidharth Chotani, 30, a resident of Worli.

When cops called him for questioning, he admitted to the crime and was placed under arrest.

Natrajan said, "Laddu is currently under observation at Worli. We will carry out the required tests tomorrow. Laddu is traumatised and hurt, but luckily he is alive and with us." He added, "Laddu also participated in the Maharashtra Police International Marathon in Mumbai in 2020. He ran 11 km from Worli to Gateway of India and finished the line."

Senior inspector Anil Koli of Worli Police Station said, "We have arrested the accused and released him on bail on Monday in a hit-and-run case and negligence while driving."