Vadodara Hit-and-Run Accused Had Prior Run-In With Law, Let Off After Apology

Law student Rakshit Chaurasia, arrested for reckless driving that killed one and injured seven, had faced police action last month but was released without a case

March 16, 2025: Vadodara, Gujarat – Just weeks before his reckless driving claimed the life of a woman and injured seven others, 20-year-old Rakshit Chaurasia had a brush with the law, but was let off after writing an apology.

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Previous Incident & Police Inaction

According to a Times of India report, last month Rakshit and his friends were creating a commotion outside a residential building in Fatehganj, disturbing residents. When a lawyer confronted them, the group allegedly threatened and abused him. The lawyer called the police, and the group was taken to Sayajiganj police station.

However, instead of facing legal action, Rakshit and his friends were released after signing a written apology, and no formal complaint was lodged.

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March 13 Hit-and-Run: What Happened?

On March 13, Rakshit, a law student at MS University, was behind the wheel when his speeding sedan crashed into three vehicles in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area, killing 37-year-old Hemali Patel and injuring seven others.

A viral video from the scene shows Rakshit stepping out of the car, appearing incoherent, and shouting phrases like “another round,” “Nikita,” and “Om Namah Shivay.” Eyewitnesses allege he was intoxicated.

🚨 Key Details of the Crash:

• Victim: Hemali Patel (37) died on the spot; her husband Purav remains in critical condition.
• Other Injuries: Siblings Vikas, Komal, and Jayesh, as well as Nisha Shah and her children, Jainil and Rency, are undergoing treatment for severe injuries.
• Co-Passenger Missing: Police are searching for Pranshu Chouhan, who was in the car with Rakshit.

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Rakshit’s Defense: ‘I Wasn’t Drunk’

Speaking to the media, Rakshit denied being intoxicated, claiming:

🗣 “I was driving at 50 km/hr when we hit a pothole. The airbag deployed, blocking our vision, and we lost control.”
🗣 “I was not drunk and was coming from a Holika Dahan event, not a party.”
🗣 “I want to meet the victim’s family. It’s my fault.”

However, his erratic behavior at the crash site and eyewitness statements contradict his claims.

Crime Scene Reconstruction & Police Investigation

🚨 A video shared by ANI shows Rakshit struggling to walk during a police-led crime reconstruction exercise, appearing dazed and injured from a prior beating by an angry mob.

📌 He was seen holding his ears, a gesture often associated with seeking forgiveness, as police escorted him into a van.

What Police Said

The case has sparked national outrage, with Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar confirming:

🔍 “Multiple teams are investigating the incident.”
🔍 “We are tracking the movements of Rakshit and his missing co-passenger.”
🔍 “Forensic teams are collecting evidence from the crime scene.”

Conclusion: A Preventable Tragedy?

Had authorities acted firmly on Rakshit’s previous misconduct, this tragedy may have been avoided. His reckless actions have now cost a life, sparking questions about police leniency and the lack of accountability for privileged individuals engaging in dangerous behavior.

With the investigation ongoing, the case serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of unchecked recklessness.

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Vadodara hit and run, Rakshit Chaurasia case, Vadodara car accident, reckless driving, law student crime, Gujarat news, Vadodara police, hit and run India, drunk driving cases, road safety India