Natasha Danish, the driver involved in the tragic Karsaz Road accident that claimed the lives of a father and his daughter on August 19, continues to face legal challenges. On Friday, a sessions court in Karachi rejected her bail plea in a drug use case that has been linked to the accident. Danish had already been arrested and charged with manslaughter following the incident.
Background: The Karsaz Accident
The accident occurred on Karsaz Road, where Natasha Danish’s vehicle struck and killed a father and his daughter. She was arrested on the spot and initially charged under the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance. On September 6, a settlement was reached between Danish and the victims’ families, during which Danish submitted an affidavit stating that the accident was unintentional. Based on this, she was granted bail in the manslaughter case after posting a Rs 100,000 surety bond.
Drug Use Allegations and Additional Charges
While Danish had secured bail for the manslaughter charges, an additional charge was brought against her for driving under the influence. Police reports indicated that she was using methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” at the time of the accident. The FIR, updated on September 2, included Section 100 of the Motor Vehicle Act after a chemical report detected the presence of methamphetamine in her urine. This prompted authorities to file a separate case against her for drug use.
Bail Plea Rejected in Drug Case
On Friday, the court announced its decision to reject Natasha Danish’s post-arrest bail application in the drug case. The state prosecutor, Syed Khursheed Abbas Bukhari, opposed the bail request, stating that the investigation was ongoing and the final charge sheet had not yet been submitted. He emphasized that the case required further scrutiny before a decision could be made on Danish’s release.
The defence, led by attorney Aamir Mansoob Qureshi, argued that the FIR in the drug case was solely based on the chemical report and that there was no explicit punishment under current laws for methamphetamine consumption. Qureshi further contended that Danish had been wrongfully implicated under outdated legislation and sought her release on bail.
Despite these arguments, Additional District and Sessions Judge (East) Shahid Ali Memon rejected the bail plea, citing the ongoing investigation and the seriousness of the charges.
Legal Battle Continues
With her bail plea denied in the drug case, Natasha Danish remains in custody. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the accusations, particularly in light of the fatal consequences of the accident. As the investigation proceeds and the final charge sheet is submitted, Danish will continue to face legal proceedings related to both manslaughter and drug use. The case highlights the broader issues of road safety and drug-impaired driving in Pakistan.
The next steps in this high-profile case will depend on the completion of the investigation and the legal strategy adopted by Danish’s defence team.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
