Law Student Blames Pothole for Fatal Car Accident in Vadodara, Denies Drunk Driving

Vadodara, Gujarat — March 15, 2025 : A tragic car accident occurred in Vadodara on the night of March 13, 2025, when 20-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia crashed his speeding vehicle into two two-wheelers, resulting in the death of a woman and injuring several others. Chaurasia, who was arrested following the incident, has denied accusations of drunk driving, instead blaming a pothole for the crash.

The incident took place around 12:30 AM near Muktanand crossroads in the Karelibaug area, when Chaurasia, driving a black Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus, lost control of the vehicle and collided with the two-wheelers. The impact left one woman dead on the spot, identified as Hemali Patel, who was riding a scooter, and four others sustained injuries.

While speaking to ANI, Chaurasia, originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, said, “We were going ahead of the scooty, we were turning right, and there was a pothole on the road. The car slightly touched another vehicle, and the airbag opened suddenly. Our vision was hampered, and the car went out of control.”

Chaurasia also claimed that he was driving at a speed of 50 km/h and had not been drinking before the accident. “I had no idea. I did not do any party, I went for Holika Dahan and was not drunk,” he said, expressing remorse for the death and injuries caused by the crash. “I want to meet the family of the victims. It is my fault, and whatever they want should happen.”

Despite his claims, eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene suggest a different story. In a viral video, Chaurasia was seen behaving erratically after the crash, shouting, “Another round, another round,” followed by a woman’s name, “Nikita, Nikita,” and chanting “Om Namah Shivay.” Witnesses also reported that he appeared intoxicated, further fueling suspicions of drunk driving.

The car, which was registered to Chaurasia’s friend, Meet Chauhan, was reportedly speeding at the time of the accident. Police are currently searching for Chauhan, who was sitting in the co-driver’s seat during the crash.

Chaurasia, who resides in a PG accommodation in Vadodara, is a law student, while his father is a businessman based in Varanasi. Authorities have assured that they are investigating the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the role of the pothole and the possibility of intoxication.

Chaurasia remains in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities considering charges related to negligent driving and causing death by dangerous driving.