Vadodara Car Crash: Accused Denies Drunk Driving, Blames Pothole for Fatal Accident
A 23-year-old law student, Rakshit Chaurasia, arrested for crashing his car into multiple vehicles in Vadodara, killing one woman and injuring others, claimed he was not drunk and lost control due to a pothole. The incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage online as police probe allegations of drunk driving.
The accident occurred late Thursday night in Vadodara’s Karelibag area, when Chaurasia’s car rammed into two-wheelers, killing a woman and injuring several others. The car’s owner, Meet Chauhan, was with him but not driving at the time. CCTV footage showed Chaurasia exiting the vehicle, appearing unsteady and shouting phrases like “Another round!” and “Om Namah Shivay.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Chaurasia denied being intoxicated. “The car lost control due to potholes on the road. I was driving at 50 kmph and was not drunk,” he said. He expressed remorse, adding, “I want to meet the family of the deceased because it was my fault. Whatever they wish should happen.”
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Joint Commissioner of Police Leena Patil stated, “A four-wheeler rammed into a two-wheeler, and one woman died. The accused driver has been caught. This is a case of drunk driving.” Both Chaurasia and Chauhan have been arrested, with police launching a detailed investigation into the incident.
The viral video and Chaurasia’s media interaction while in custody triggered widespread criticism online. A user on X, Tanmoy, questioned, “Has he been released from custody? Who authorised an accused to hold a press conference?” Another user likened it to the Pune hit-and-run case, raising concerns over lenient handling of such incidents.
Police are conducting medical tests to confirm whether Chaurasia was under the influence, despite his claims. The investigation will also examine the pothole allegations and the sequence of events leading to the crash. Further updates are expected as authorities review evidence and address public demands for justice.
