A survivor of the recent Vadodara car accident has stated that the accused driver, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, appeared "intoxicated" and was over-speeding for "enjoyment."
The incident, which occurred on 14 March, claimed the life of a woman and left several others injured.
The victim, Vikas Kewalani, recounted the ordeal urging strict punishment for the accused.
“They will realise their mistakes only when strict punishment is taken against them,” he asserted.
Kewalani detailed that he was with his siblings and neighbours when their two-wheeler was struck from behind by an over-speeding car.
“Two people from my society and I had gone out for refreshment. One of them was Hemali Patel, her husband is in critical condition... we were on our two-wheeler and suddenly, an overspeeding car rammed into our vehicle... when I fell, I was awake, and I saw that the car had hit the other vehicle as well and it flew through the air, husband and wife had suffered serious injuries. Such things can't be controlled through just fine... fine is not the solution, they will realise their mistakes only when strict punishment is taken against them... my brother and sister have sustained fractures. I fractured my right-hand elbow... the accused (Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia) looked intoxicated... he was doing it (over-speeding) for enjoyment purposes... Nobody in normal state could do and say such things...,” he said.
Also read: Vadodara crash: Driver blames pothole, denies drunk-driving
Police officials confirmed that Chaurasia, a law student, is presently in custody. Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar disclosed that more than three vehicles were involved in the accident, including two Activas and an electric vehicle.
“The collision resulted in the death of one woman whereas eight others have been injured, and multiple investigative teams are tracking the case,” he said.
While the police have filed a drink-driving case against Chaurasia, the accused has denied being under the influence of alcohol. He claimed that he was returning from a Holika Dahan celebration and had not attended any party.
He further insisted that he was driving at 50 kmph when the accident took place and expressed a desire to meet the victims’ families.
“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,” Chaurasia stated.
He added, “We were going at 50 km/hour. 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 that should happen...”
The tragic incident has sparked concerns over reckless driving and the enforcement of road safety regulations in Vadodara. Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
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