Vadodara: In the early hours of a fateful day in Vadodara, a speeding car driven by a law student, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, crashed into multiple two-wheelers, leaving a trail of devastation. The incident resulted in the death of Hemali Patel and injuries to several others, including two young girls and a couple. This tragic event has not only sparked outrage but also highlighted the pressing concerns of drunk driving and the need for stricter punishments to deter such reckless behavior.
The crash occurred in the Karelibaug area, where Chaurasia, allegedly intoxicated and speeding for enjoyment, lost control of his vehicle. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with the car hitting multiple scooters and causing a chain reaction of injuries. Vikas Kewalani, one of the injured, recounted the horror, stating that the accused appeared intoxicated and was speeding for enjoyment. Kewalani emphasized that fines alone are insufficient to deter such behavior, advocating for stricter punishments to ensure accountability.
Chaurasia, despite eyewitness accounts suggesting otherwise, claimed he was not drunk. He attributed the accident to a pothole and the deployment of the airbag, which he said hampered his vision. However, his erratic behavior after the crash, captured in viral videos, has raised questions about his sobriety. The incident has also brought to light Chaurasia’s previous brush with the law, involving a disturbance at a residential building just a month prior.
The Vadodara police have registered a drink-and-drive case against Chaurasia, who is currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple teams tracking the case. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the need for a more robust legal framework to address drunk driving.
