Vadodara Car Crash: Rakshit Chaurasia Accused of Killing Woman Denies Drunk Driving, Blames Potholes
In a dramatic incident in Vadodara, law student Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia accused of causing a fatal crash that claimed one life and injured eight others has denied allegations of drunk driving. Chaurasia claims that while turning right near Muktanand Cross Roads in the Karelibaug area around 12:30 a.m., his car hit a pothole, which triggered the airbags to deploy suddenly, impairing his vision and causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
According to Chaurasia, the accident occurred as his car was following a scooter on the road. “We were turning right when we encountered a pothole. The car slightly brushed another vehicle, and the airbag deployed unexpectedly. Our vision was obstructed, and the car went out of control. We were traveling at 50 km/h,” he stated. He emphasized that no pedestrians were present at the time only a scooter and another car and firmly denied consuming alcohol, noting that he had attended Holika Dahan festivities and had not been partying. “I had no idea something like this would happen. I want to meet the victims’ family and accept responsibility for my actions,” he added.
કારેલીબાગ અકસ્માત – અકસ્માત સર્જનાર આરોપી રક્ષિત ચોરસિયા ને મીડિયા એ સવાલો કર્યા.
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The crash, which occurred near the Amrapali Complex, was captured on CCTV. Chaurasia’s companion, who was also in the car, quickly disassociated himself from the incident by repeatedly blaming Chaurasia as soon as they stopped. The driver then began shouting phrases like “another round,” “uncle,” and “Om Namah Shivay,” which incited angry locals to chase and physically confront him until the police arrived.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya confirmed that Chaurasia has been arrested and booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Blood samples have been collected from his companion to check for intoxication, as he could face charges under the Prohibition Act if found drunk. The deceased has been identified as Hemali Patel, while her husband, Purav Patel who was riding with her remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Police suspect that Chaurasia’s outbursts may have signaled a reckless intent to continue driving dangerously. Originally from Uttar Pradesh and residing in a rented home in Nizampura, Vadodara, Chaurasia insists he was not under the influence. He maintains that the accident was solely due to the unexpected deployment of the airbags after hitting a pothole.