Vadodara Hit-and-Run: Law Student Arrested After Fatal Accident, 7 Others Injured

A 23-year-old law student allegedly rammed a Skoda Volkswagen, killing a woman and seriously injuring seven others in a tragic accident late Thursday night.

The accused, identified as Rakshit Chaurasiya, a resident of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is studying law at a university in Vadodara. The accident occurred around 12:30 AM near the Karelibaug area. At the time of the incident, Pranshu Chauhan was also present in the car.

Following the crash, both Chaurasiya and Chauhan were arrested. They were produced in court late at night, where the court granted one-day police custody for further investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya stated that Chaurasiya was suspected of driving under the influence. Eyewitnesses reported that after emerging from the vehicle, he appeared intoxicated and was shouting, “Another round, another round.” However, police confirmed that Chaurasiya does possess a valid driving license.

The Skoda Volkswagen involved in the accident is registered to Duan Technology, a company owned by Pranshu Chauhan’s father. Chauhan, who was sitting beside Chaurasiya, was also taken into custody.

A viral CCTV footage of the incident shows the car speeding through the area. However, Chaurasiya denied reckless driving, claiming that the accident occurred due to a pothole on the road.

According to the FIR filed by Ashish Shah, his wife’s Activa was hit from behind, injuring his wife, daughter, and son. Another Activa carrying a couple was also struck, leading to the death of the woman, identified as Himali Patel, while her husband, Purav Patel, sustained severe injuries and is currently in the ICU.

A third two-wheeler, carrying three people, one woman and two men was also involved in the crash. They suffered serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Shah stated, “We had gone out for a stroll after dinner. My wife, Nisha Shah, took our two children on the Activa, telling me to wait at the society gate, saying she would return in two minutes. However, the accident happened before she could come back.”

Chaurasiya expressed his willingness to meet the victims’ families, saying he would accept whatever decision they make. “We were turning right when we hit a pothole. The airbag deployed suddenly, blocking my vision, and the car went out of control. We were driving at 50 km/h,” he claimed.

He denied being intoxicated, stating, “I had not been drinking. I attended Holika Dahan and was not at a party. I only learned today that a woman has died and others are injured. It is my fault, and I will accept whatever the victims’ families decide.”

Vikas Kriplani, one of the injured victims, recounted the horrifying moments, said, “We had gone out to eat falooda and were heading home from Sangam. Near Amrapali, a car came from behind at 120 km/h and hit our two-wheeler. My cousin brother, sister, and I were thrown in different directions. We all suffered fractures and other injuries. We were unable to get up, and eventually, an ambulance (108) took us to the hospital.”

The accused has been booked under the sections of BNS, 105(Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 281(Penalty for rash driving or riding on public roads), Section 125 (Endangering life and public safety) ,Section 324(Mischief and its legal consequences).