In a shocking revelation in the March 14 Vadodara crash case that claimed one life and left several injured, police on Friday confirmed that the prime accused, 20-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia, was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident.
According to NDTV, the initial report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar revealed that while Chaurasia was not drunk, his blood samples tested positive for marijuana. Police officials confirmed the findings, indicating that the accused had been driving the vehicle after consuming the drug.
The devastating crash took place around 12:30 am near Muktanand crossroads in the Karelibaug area of Vadodara. Chaurasia’s speeding car rammed into multiple two-wheelers, killing a woman on the spot and leaving several others injured. Disturbing CCTV footage of the incident quickly went viral, showing the car swerving recklessly at high speed before impact.
Further investigation revealed that Chaurasia wasn’t alone. His co-passenger, Praanshu Chauhan, and another friend, Suresh Bharwad, were also found to have consumed marijuana. “We received the result of the three blood samples today, which showed positive for drugs. They were driving the car after smoking marijuana. We have arrested Rakshit Chaurasia's co-passenger and the third accused will be arrested soon,” said Panna Momaya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4).
Authorities have now booked all three under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In addition, Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988—pertaining to driving under the influence—has been slapped against Chaurasia. While he is currently lodged in Vadodara Central Jail, Chauhan has also been arrested. Bharwad remains absconding.
What added to the public’s outrage were Chaurasia’s bizarre antics caught on video after the crash. Seen behaving erratically, he shouted phrases like “Another round, another round”, called out the name “Nikita, Nikita, Nikita Meri”, and then abruptly began chanting “Om Namah Shivay”.
Despite this, the 20-year-old later attempted to downplay the severity of the crash, blaming a pothole for the deadly accident. But police say the drug use and rash driving leave little room for excuse.
As the investigation continues and authorities work to nab the absconding accused, the city is grappling with the aftermath of a reckless act that cost a life
