Rakshit Chaurasia, a law student who was later arrested, claimed he lost control of the vehicle due to potholes on the road and insisted he was not drunk.
“The car lost control due to the potholes on the road. The car was running at a speed of around 50 kmph. There was a scooty and a car. I was not drunk. I want to meet the family members of the deceased because it was my fault. Whatever they wish should happen,” he told reporters.
The accident, which took place around 12:30 am near Muktanand Crossroads in the Karelibaug area, resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to four others, police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya confirmed that Chaurasia was arrested following the incident. Eyewitnesses who apprehended him at the scene alleged that he appeared intoxicated and was shouting, “Another round, another round” after stepping out of the car, raising suspicions of drunk driving.
The deceased has been identified as Hemali Patel, who was riding her scooter at the time of the crash.
Chaurasia, originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, resides in a PG accommodation in Vadodara, Momaya said.
“The car belonged to his friend Mit Chauhan, who was in the co-driver’s seat when Chaurasia crashed into multiple two-wheelers at high speed while heading towards Muktanand Circle,” she added.
Authorities are currently attempting to trace Chauhan.
A video recorded by an eyewitness shows Chauhan emerging from the wrecked car and blaming Chaurasia for the accident. Chaurasia, appearing incoherent, repeatedly shouts, “Another round? Another round?” before being confronted and beaten by bystanders, who later handed him over to the police.
CCTV footage accessed by the media shows the speeding car colliding with two scooters, knocking down the riders and dragging them before coming to a halt.
“Preliminary evidence suggests overspeeding, and this could be a case of drunk driving. A medical test will determine whether Chaurasia was under the influence of alcohol,” the DCP said, adding that he does hold a valid driving licence.
