Rakshit Chaurasiya, the 23-year-old, accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing into five people in Vadodara, has claimed that he did not exceed speed limits. He said an emergency airbag blocked his view, which led to the accident that killed a woman and injured eight others. He added that he panicked after the car’s airbags popped out upon severe impact with the two-wheeler.
The woman, identified as Hemani Patel, was with her young daughter to buy Holi colours. She died on the spot, while the child was rushed to a nearby hospital.
The accident occurred late Thursday night around 12:30 am, near Karelibag area, after which Rakshit was arrested. According to police reports, Rakshit was driving from Sangam towards Muktanand Circle.
“We were going ahead of the scooty, we were turning right and there was a pothole on the road. There was a scooty and a car while we were turning right. The car slightly touched the other vehicle and the airbag opened suddenly, our vision was hampered and the car went out of control. We were going at 50 km/hour,” said Rakshit, whose face appeared swollen and bruised during his interaction with the media.
Chaurasiya also denied partying before driving. He claimed he was on his way home after celebrating Holika Dahan, a ritual of lighting bonfires to celebrate Holi.
“I was not drunk, nor did I take any drugs,” he said, adding that he was unaware that a woman had died in the incident.
“There were no people at that time, just a scooter and a car. I had no idea. I did not do any party, I went for Holika Dahan and was not drunk… Today, I was told that one woman has died and a few have sustained injuries. I want to meet the family of the victims, it is my fault and whatever they want should happen,” he was quoted as saying.
However, a section of the media reported that a video from the crash site showed Rakshit exiting the car, visibly drunk, and shouting “another round.” In videos taken by witnesses, Chaurasia mentions the name “Nikita” and chants “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Another video footage contradicted Rakshit’s claims, showing his car speeding at 120 km/hour. It also captured the moment his vehicle collided with two scooters, knocking the riders down and dragging them along before coming to a stop.
Senior police officer Panna Momaya confirmed that Rakshit was indeed drunk and had exceeded the speed limit. The results of his medical test are however yet to be made public.
Momaya told the media, “Yesterday’s horrific hit and run in Karelibaugh is a case of over speeding. The accused was arrested from the spot. Different teams have been formed to investigate the same. The FSL team has collected necessary samples from the site. Blood samples have also been collected. We are also going to analyse the whereabouts of the accused and his friend for the entire day. Drunk driving angle will also be probed. An FIR against the accused has been filed (charged with section 105 of BNS).”
The car’s owner, the second accused, was also taken into custody. He has been identified as Mit Chauhan, a student at a private institution in Vadodara.
Chauhan, who had been with Rakshit, reportedly stepped out and walked away, saying, “I didn’t do anything. He was driving the car.”
Another person, Pranshu Chauhan, a student of Parul University, who was in the passenger seat during the accident, was seen blaming Rakshit for the crash. The car, according to reports, is registered under Duan Technology, a company owned by Chauhan’s father.
In a video that has gone viral, Chauhan, coming out of the car in a white T-shirt is heard saying, “Chhod merko, chu**ya insaan. Mera kuch nahi hai, wo gaadi chala raha tha (I did not do anything, he was driving the car).” Chauhan was also taken into custody.
Meanwhile, more details have emerged about Rakshit, a law student originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Currently, he resides in Vadodara in a PG accommodation. According to his LinkedIn profile, he studies at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Vadodara, a section of the media reported.
Following the horrific episode, senior police officers and local BJP leaders visited the scene. The local Rangotsav programme, which was being held as part of Holi celebrations, was cancelled.
Also Read: “Another Round?” Law Student Arrested After Fatal Drunk Driving Incident In Vadodara
