NEW DELHI: Vikas Kewalani, a victim of the Vadodara car crash, alleges that the accused driver, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, appeared ‘intoxicated’ and was overspeeding for ‘enjoyment’. However, Chaurasia denies consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
Vadodara police commissioner Narasimha Komar confirmed that more than three vehicles were involved in the collision, including two Activa scooters and one electric vehicle. Eight people were injured in addition to the woman who died at the scene.
The police have registered a drink and drive case against Chaurasia, who is currently in police custody. Multiple investigative teams are tracking the case.
Vikas Kewalani, who sustained injuries in the accident, stated, “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 looked intoxicated…he was doing it for enjoyment purposes… Nobody in normal state could do and say such things…”
Chaurasia maintains his innocence regarding alcohol consumption, stating he was returning from Holika Dahan celebrations and not a party. He provided his version of events: “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.”
The accused driver further explained, “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…”
Kewalani has demanded strict action against the accused, arguing that fines alone are not sufficient punishment for such incidents.
