TL;DR: A law student's reckless, intoxicated driving in Vadodara led to a tragic accident, killing one woman and injuring eight others. He is now in police custody, with investigations underway to determine the full extent of his actions.
A Night of Festivities Turns Fatal
In Vadodara, Gujarat, a night meant for celebration took a tragic turn when a 20-year-old law student, Rakshit Chaurasiya, allegedly under the influence of intoxicants, lost control of his speeding car. The incident resulted in the death of one woman and left eight others injured.
The Chaotic Scene Unfolds
The accident occurred around 12:30 AM near Muktanand Crossroads in the Karelibaug area. Chaurasiya's car collided with multiple vehicles, including two-wheelers and an electric vehicle, before coming to a halt. CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment as the car plowed through the busy intersection, causing chaos and panic among pedestrians and other motorists.
Victims of the Tragedy
The deceased has been identified as Hemaliben Patel. Among the injured are a 12-year-old girl named Jaini, a 35-year-old woman named Nishaben, another unidentified 10-year-old girl, and a 40-year-old man. All victims were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Accused's Dubious Defense
Following the crash, Chaurasiya was seen behaving erratically, shouting phrases like "another round" and "Om Namah Shivay." Initially denying any intoxication, he later admitted to consuming 'bhaang' during Holika Dahan celebrations. He claimed that after hitting a pothole, the car's airbags deployed, obstructing his view and leading to the loss of control. However, these assertions are under scrutiny as investigations proceed.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
A Vadodara court has granted the police one-day custody of Chaurasiya to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are also investigating his connection with the car's owner and whether he was deliberately driving under the influence.
Community Outrage and Call for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding strict action against reckless driving and substance abuse during festive occasions. Many are calling for increased road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
MediaFx Opinion
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the irresponsible consumption of intoxicants. It underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness about road safety. Communities must come together to promote responsible behavior, especially during festive times, to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
