Nagpur: In a major development in the Chinchbhuvan hit-and-run case, the owner of the BMW involved in the accident, identified as Avantikumar Kothari, has fled Nagpur along with his family. Beltarodi Police have launched an intensive search to trace his whereabouts, reports The Hitvada.

The fatal incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday near Chinchbhuvan Square, when a speeding BMW (registration number HP-89/A-1592) rammed into a two-wheeler, critically injuring both riders — Yogesh Tulsiram Bopche (29), a resident of Jagdish Nagar, Gittikhadan, and his relative Bhojendra Khobragade (55) from Balaghat. The duo was rushed to AIIMS Hospital, where Yogesh succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening.

According to police sources, the BMW was registered in Himachal Pradesh and was previously owned by a Mumbai-based car dealer, Shahrukh Tahir Khan, before being sold to Kothari, a resident of Darodkar Chowk, Central Avenue, Nagpur. Kothari is reportedly involved in the automobile business.

Investigators reached Kothari’s residence but found it locked. The family has been untraceable for the past three to four days. During inspection of the abandoned BMW — which the driver deserted after one of its tyres burst post-accident — police recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to the driver. Efforts are underway to track the mobile numbers of Kothari and his family members.

Yogesh, who was killed in the accident, worked as a daily-wage labourer and was the sole breadwinner of his family. He is survived by his wife and two young sons — Chirag (5), a Class 1 student, and infant Kiyan, just five months old. The bereaved family is demanding justice and strict action against the accused driver.

Police are continuing their investigation and are likely to issue a lookout notice against Kothari if he is not located soon.