A 23-year-old law student, Rakshit Chaurasia, was arrested following a tragic car crash in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area on March 14 that led to the death of a woman and left eight others injured. Chaurasia, a student at MS University in Vadodara, was reportedly intoxicated when he crashed his car into multiple two-wheelers, including the scooter of Hemali Patel, the woman who tragically lost her life.
Eyewitnesses reported that after the crash, Chaurasia exited his Volkswagen Virtus while shouting incoherent phrases such as “another round,” “Nikita,” and “Om Namah Shivay.” Social media users speculated that the phrase “another round” may have referred to his alcohol consumption or reckless driving behavior. A police search at his residence later uncovered a poster of the Danish film ‘Another Round’, a movie that explores the consequences of controlled alcohol consumption.
The accident occurred around 12:30 am near Muktanand Crossroads when Chaurasia’s car, reportedly speeding, struck three vehicles. Hemali Patel, her husband Purav Patel, and their daughter were thrown into the air. Hemali died at the scene, while Purav remains in critical condition. Their neighbors, also on a scooter, sustained severe injuries.
Police confirmed that alcohol consumption played a role in the crash, as indicated by a rapid test, although more detailed reports are still awaited. Chaurasia has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which was widely shared on social media, sparking outrage. The footage showed the speeding car crashing into two scooters, knocking down the riders, dragging them, and then finally coming to a stop. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of drunk driving and the tragic consequences that can result.
