FSL Report Confirms Ganja, Codeine in Blood of Accused Rakshit Chaurasiya in Vadodara Hit-and-Run Case

Twenty-two days after the fatal hit-and-run incident near Muktanand Circle in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) blood report has confirmed the presence of ganja and codeine in the system of the main accused, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasiya. The report also confirmed traces of narcotics in his two friends, Pranshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad, police said.

Vadodara Police Commissioner Narsimha Komar told NTT, “The blood sample report states that Rakshit consumed ganja and codeine on the night of the incident.” All three accused have tested positive for NDPA (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) violations, Komar added.

Following the report, police have now made Pranshu Chauhan — initially an eyewitness — a co-accused in the case. A fresh case under Section 27A of the NDPS Act, 1985, has been registered against all three at Karelibaug police station.

The incident occurred on the night of March 13, when a speeding car allegedly driven by Chaurasiya mowed down eight pedestrians, including two children. Hemaliben Patel died on the spot, while her husband Purav Patel sustained serious injuries. In total, seven individuals were injured in the accident.

Chaurasiya, a native of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested soon after the accident and booked for culpable homicide. DCP Panna Momaya confirmed that blood samples of all three were sent to FSL for testing, which later confirmed the presence of cannabis.

Police have detained Pranshu Chauhan for questioning, while efforts are on to trace and arrest Suresh Bharwad, who is currently absconding.

Meanwhile, a team of three safety officers from Volkswagen’s Pune plant visited Vadodara and collected the vehicle's technical data. The car's dongle, found connected to the 'MY VW' mobile app on Pranshu’s phone, provided crucial data indicating that the vehicle was being driven at over 130 km/h at the time of the incident.

Police are now examining whether Pranshu had any direct involvement in the act of driving or abetting the incident.​