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What Happened
Ganesh Shenoy, 54, an Indian national accused of causing a fatal crash on Long Island 20 years ago, has been extradited back to the United States and is now behind bars, Nassau County prosecutors announced Monday. Shenoy was recently taken into custody in his native country after allegedly causing a crash that killed a 44-year-old Hicksville father in April 2005.
According to witnesses and surveillance video, Shenoy was driving at an extremely high rate of speed when he ran a red light on Old Country Road and struck a car driven by the victim, who was less than a mile from his home and on his way to work when he was killed. Shenoy was 33 years old at the time of the crash and was a student at SUNY Old Westbury.
Despite handing over his passport to police following the crash, Shenoy left the hospital and fled the country. He was in Mumbai when he was indicted and is believed to have obtained a replacement passport to escape prosecution. “For the next 18 years he fought extradition to the U.S. He was living freely in India out on bail. He thought he got away with it,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.
The victim left behind a wife and two children, who are now adults. His children were present in court Friday when Shenoy faced an American judge for the first time in two decades. “They were elated and the defendant was expressionless,” Assistant DA Michael Bushwack said. “The first thing the family said was, ‘We never thought this day would come,’” Donnelly added.
The victim’s family released a statement saying: “He was a great husband and father whose life was taken too soon under circumstances that we still believe deserve answers, accountability, and closure. Our family is grateful for the new developments and renewed attention to the case. We’re hopeful that justice may finally be within reach after 20 years.”
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said Shenoy was extradited to the U.S. on Friday after running out of legal options in Indian courts. “Today is great day for justice,” Donnelly said. “Prosecutors in this office never give up on a case, because justice, no matter how long it takes, is always worth fighting for. We got him, and he’s not getting away from us again.”
Location & Road Context
The fatal collision occurred on Old Country Road in Nassau County, where Shenoy ran a red light at high speed before striking the victim’s vehicle. The crash happened less than a mile from the victim’s Hicksville home as he was traveling to work. Old Country Road serves as a major east-west thoroughfare through Nassau County, connecting multiple communities across Long Island.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
Shenoy was extradited back to the United States on Friday after evading law enforcement and dodging prosecution for two decades. A Nassau County judge ordered him held without bail during his first court appearance. The case represents one of the longest international fugitive pursuits in Nassau County history, with prosecutors saying they never gave up on seeking justice for the victim’s family despite the 20-year timeframe.