Vadodara | April 5, 2025 — Forensic investigations into the March 12 crash in Vadodara that claimed the life of one woman and injured eight others have confirmed that the prime accused, 23-year-old Rakshit Chaurasia, was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident, and not alcohol as initially speculated.
Chaurasia, a fourth-year law student at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, was driving his friend’s Volkswagen Virtus when he collided with three vehicles in the Karelibaug area late that night. Locals apprehended and physically assaulted him before police arrived on the scene.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar released its preliminary report this week, confirming that Chaurasia’s blood sample tested positive for cannabis. His two co-passengers, who were in the vehicle at the time of the crash, also tested positive for drug use.
“We received the results of three blood samples today, all of which tested positive for marijuana. The car was being driven under the influence. We have arrested one of the co-passengers and efforts are underway to apprehend the third accused,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Panna Momaya, speaking to NDTV.
Chaurasia is currently lodged in Vadodara Central Jail and faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving, and endangering public safety. Authorities have also invoked relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which criminalizes driving under the influence of intoxicants.
The case has attracted national attention, particularly following a video that circulated on social media in which Chaurasia, moments after the crash and visibly agitated, is heard shouting "another round" and chanting "Om Namah Shivay."
In his statement to the police, Chaurasia claimed the accident occurred while overtaking a scooter and attempting to avoid a pothole. “The car brushed against another vehicle, triggering the airbags. My vision was impaired, and I lost control. I’ve been told someone lost her life. It is my fault. I want to meet the victims’ families,” he reportedly told investigators.
The fatal crash occurred near Amrapali Chaar Rasta, one of Karelibaug’s busiest intersections. While Chaurasia was arrested the following day, the second accused is now in custody, and a search for the third individual is ongoing.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident, as the families of the victims await justice.
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