Vadodara Car Crash: 'Pothole, Airbag, Not Speed or Alcohol,' Claims Accused Rakshit Chaurasia

A 20-year-old law student, Rakshit Chaurasia, whose car rammed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians in Vadodara, leading to the death of one woman and injuring several others, initially denied consuming any intoxicants but later admitted to having consumed bhaang (cannabis). The accident took place on Thursday night in Vadodara's Karelibaug area, with a viral video capturing the horrifying moment the car lost control and crashed into a busy intersection.

Speaking to the police, Chaurasia claimed that the accident occurred because he lost visibility after the airbags deployed. He and his friend were returning from Dera Circle after dropping off another friend with whom they had attended Holika Dahan, a ritual bonfire on the eve of Holi.

Describing the sequence of events, he said, "We were going ahead of a scooty, turning right when we hit a pothole. There was a scooty and a parked car near the turn. Our car slightly touched the scooter, and the airbags opened. After that, I couldn't see anything and lost control." He added that the car was moving at around 50-60 kmph at the time.

Despite initially denying intoxication, Chaurasia later confessed to having consumed bhaang. He also expressed a desire to meet the victims' families, taking responsibility for the accident. "I was told that one woman has died and a few others are injured. I want to meet the family of the victims. It is my fault, and whatever they want should happen," he said.

The crash resulted in the immediate death of Hemaliben Patel, while at least four others suffered serious injuries, including 12-year-old Jaini, 35-year-old Nishaben, an unidentified 10-year-old girl, and a 40-year-old man.

Videos captured after the accident showed Chaurasia's friend stepping out of the car in shock over the incident. Chaurasia himself was seen stumbling out of the vehicle, appearing unstable and shouting incoherent phrases like "Another round" and "Om Namah Shivay."

Leena Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police, confirmed that Chaurasia was intoxicated at the time of the crash and has been taken into custody. Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar stated that more than three vehicles were involved in the accident, including two active vehicles and one electric vehicle (EV). Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation to determine the full extent of the driver's liability.