A tragic accident in Vadodara has left one woman dead and seven others injured, with new CCTV footage suggesting that the accused, Rakshit Chaurasia, may have insisted on taking the wheel moments before the crash. The 23-year-old law student, originally from Prayagraj, was studying at MS University, Vadodara. He has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder after his Volkswagen Virtus sedan collided with multiple vehicles, killing 35-year-old Hemali Patel on the spot and injuring several others.

CCTV Footage Shows Rakshit Insisting on Driving

Security camera footage from before the crash provides insight into the sequence of events. Around 10:30 PM on Thursday, Rakshit and his friend Suresh were seen arriving at the latter’s house on a scooter. Rakshit was riding while Suresh sat pillion. The footage also showed Rakshit holding a bottle, though its contents remain unclear.

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Fifteen minutes later, their friend Pranshu Chauhan arrived in the sedan and joined them inside the house. Around 11:25 PM, Rakshit and Pranshu walked downstairs toward the car. Initially, Pranshu took the driver’s seat, but after a brief conversation with Rakshit, he shifted to the passenger seat. Although an obstruction in the footage blocks a clear view, police suspect Rakshit insisted on driving before the vehicle sped off, only to crash moments later.

Crash Aftermath and Eyewitness Accounts

Following the collision, a video taken at the accident site showed the car’s front severely damaged and airbags deployed. In the footage, Pranshu was seen stepping out of the car, calling Rakshit “pagal hai” (he is mad) before attempting to leave. Meanwhile, Rakshit was shouting phrases like “another round,” “Nikita,” and “Om Namah Shivay,” before being confronted and beaten by the gathered crowd.

Pranshu fled the scene and remains on the run as police continue their search. When asked about the seat switch, Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar stated that further investigation is required to determine whether Rakshit forcibly took control of the car.

Accused Blames Airbags, Denies Being Drunk

Rakshit denied being intoxicated or speeding, instead blaming the airbags for causing the accident. Speaking to the media, he claimed:

“We were overtaking a scooter when we turned right. There was a pothole, and our car made slight contact with another vehicle. The airbag deployed suddenly, blocking our vision, and the car went out of control.”

Expressing remorse, he added, “I was told that a woman has died, and others were injured. I want to meet the victims’ families. It was my fault.”

Public Outrage and Calls for Stricter Action

The incident has sparked massive outrage, with victims and their families demanding stricter penalties to prevent reckless driving accidents. Vikas Kevlani, one of the injured victims, emphasized that fines alone are not a sufficient deterrent.

“A fine is not the solution. Only if strict action is taken will they realize the consequences of their actions,” he stated.