Court frames charges against Tathya Patel, his father in 2023 ISKCON bridge accident case

Ahmedabad Rural Court on Tuesday framed charges against Tathya Patel, the prime accused in the sensational 2023 ISKCON Bridge accident that claimed nine lives, and his father Pragnesh Patel in a major development that paves the way for the trial to begin.

During the hearing, Tathya and his father Pragnesh Patel were present in the courtroom. The judge read out the charges against both accused and their signatures were also obtained. 

The charges were framed following sharp displeasure expressed by the Supreme Court over repeated delays in the case. The apex court had directed the trial court to complete the charge-framing process within three weeks, after which proceedings were expedited.

The tragic incident occurred on the night of July 20, 2023, when a speeding luxury car allegedly driven by Tathya Patel rammed into a crowd that had gathered on the ISKCON flyover in Ahmedabad after an initial minor accident. Nine persons died on the spot and 13 others sustained injuries.

Police had filed a comprehensive 1,684-page chargesheet within seven days of the incident, citing statements of 191 witnesses and 15 Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports as key evidence.

Tathya has been charged under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years, along with Sections 279, 337, 338, 504, 506(2), 114, 188 and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

His father, Pragnesh Patel, has been charged with destruction of evidence and helping the main accused flee the scene after the accident.