A tragic accident in Vadodara on the eve of Holi left a woman dead and several others injured after a speeding car rammed into multiple vehicles in the Karelibaug area. The deceased, Hemali Patel (35), was riding on a scooter with her husband Purav Patel (40) and their young daughter when the collision occurred. Purav remains in critical condition, while their daughter has also sustained injuries.
The Fatal Crash
The Patel family was out buying colors and grabbing a meal after celebrating Holika Dahan when the tragedy struck. The car, allegedly speeding, collided with their scooter, throwing them into the air before they hit the ground. In total, five others were injured in the accident.
The vehicle was driven by Rakshit Chaurasia, a law student at MS University, with his friend Pranshu Chouhan in the passenger seat. A viral video captured moments after the crash, showing Rakshit stepping out of the car and yelling incoherently, including phrases like “another round,” “Nikita,” and “Om Namah Shivay.” Eyewitnesses claimed he appeared intoxicated.
Arrest and Investigation
Rakshit was beaten by an angry crowd before being taken into custody by the police. He has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Police are currently searching for his co-passenger, Pranshu Chouhan.
Rakshit’s Defense: “Airbag Blinded Me”
Denying allegations of reckless driving and intoxication, Rakshit told the media that the accident was caused by an airbag deployment. “We were overtaking a scooter when we hit a pothole. The car slightly touched another vehicle, and the airbag opened, blocking our vision. That’s why we lost control,” he explained. Despite acknowledging the accident’s consequences, he insisted he was neither drunk nor speeding.
Eyewitness Accounts and Calls for Justice
Survivor Vikas Kevlani, who was with the Patels on another two-wheeler, contradicted Rakshit’s claims. “The car was speeding when it hit us from behind,” he told ANI.
Expressing frustration over increasing road accidents, Vikas stated that stricter legal action was needed. “Traffic fines won’t stop these incidents. There should be strict action so people understand the consequences of their reckless actions,” he added.
Determined to seek justice for Hemali Patel, Vikas vowed to take legal action. “She was like my sister. I will fight to ensure justice is served and raise awareness among the younger generation about the dangers of reckless driving,” he said.
The case has sparked public outrage, with many demanding harsher penalties for dangerous driving to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
