NEW DELHI: Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, the 23-year-old prime accused in the fatal Vadodara car crash that claimed the life of a woman and left eight others injured, was brought back to the accident site for a crime scene recreation. In a video shared by ANI, Chaurasia appeared visibly uncomfortable, limping and clutching his ears as he was escorted by the police.
The dramatic scene unfolded as investigators attempted to piece together the events of the early hours of March 14, when a speeding car driven by Chaurasia allegedly rammed into a two-wheeler. The impact proved fatal for one woman, while several others sustained serious injuries.
More vehicles involved, police commissioner reveals
Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar disclosed new details, stating that more than three vehicles were linked to the incident, including two active vehicles and one electric vehicle (EV). While Chaurasia is currently in custody, police are scrutinizing all angles, including possible intoxication at the time of the crash.
“We have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, apart from invoking sections under the Motor Vehicle Acts. Our forensic teams are compiling physical and material evidence,” the police said in a statement.
Accused denies drunk driving, claims innocence
Chaurasia, however, has refuted allegations of drunk driving. He claimed that he had attended a Holika Dahan celebration but did not consume alcohol or attend any post-event parties. According to him, he was driving at a speed of 50 km/h at the time of the crash.
“I was not drunk. I went to the Holika Dahan event but did not drink or party. I want to meet the victim’s family and take responsibility for the accident,” Chaurasia reportedly told police.
Authorities, however, are not taking his statement at face value. “Blood samples have been collected from Chaurasia and his co-passenger Pranshu Chauhan to determine whether alcohol or other intoxicants were involved. The investigation will proceed based on forensic findings,” Commissioner Komar said.
Legal proceedings and further investigation
Police continue to track the movements of the accused’s co-passenger and are in the process of recovering crucial digital and physical evidence from the scene. The forensic report will play a key role in determining whether Chaurasia was indeed sober at the time of the accident.
With mounting evidence and a growing legal case, the Vadodara hit-and-run is quickly turning into a high-profile investigation. The next steps will depend on forensic reports and the police’s final charge sheet.
