By Sumesh Rajan | October 1, 2025
Nassau County, New York, USA: Nearly two decades after a deadly crash that claimed the life of Long Island resident Philip Mastropolo, the man accused of causing it has been extradited from India and is now behind bars in the United States.
Nassau County prosecutors announced Monday September 29 that Ganesh Shenoy, 54, was returned to New York on Friday September 26 after years of evading justice overseas. Shenoy is accused of driving at an extremely high speed and running a red light on Old Country Road in April 2005, crashing into Mastropolo’s car. Mastropolo, 44, was just a mile away from home and on his way to work when he was killed.
“Today is a great day for justice,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said, according to CBS News. “He thought he got away with it, but he didn’t.”
Evasion and Extradition Battle
According to prosecutors, Shenoy initially surrendered his passport to police after the crash but later obtained a replacement and managed to flee the United States. He left the hospital where he had been receiving treatment and traveled to India, where he was indicted while living in Mumbai.
For the next 18 years, Shenoy fought extradition in Indian courts while living freely on bail. Ultimately, after exhausting all legal options, Indian authorities cleared the way for his return to the U.S.
“Prosecutors in this office never give up on a case,” Donnelly emphasized. “Justice, no matter how long it takes, is always worth fighting for. We got him, and he’s not getting away from us again.”
Family’s Long Wait for Justice
Mastropolo left behind his wife and two young children, who are now adults. They were present in court on Friday when Shenoy appeared before a U.S. judge for the first time.
“They were elated, and the defendant was expressionless,” said Assistant District Attorney Michael Bushwack. “The first thing the family said was, ‘We never thought this day would come.’”
In a statement released through CBS, the Mastropolo family expressed gratitude for the renewed pursuit of justice: “Philip Mastropolo 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. We appreciate all the support that we’ve received and would like to personally thank all the agencies that have worked tirelessly to make this possible. We ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this emotional time.”
Held Without Bail
Shenoy has been ordered held without bail by a Nassau County judge. He faces multiple charges related to the fatal collision and is expected to stand trial in the coming months.
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