‘Drunk’ driver who rammed 9 vehicles in Ahmedabad released within hours

A driver who was caught in an alleged inebriated state after he rammed nine vehicles in Ahmedabad’s Shilaj area recently was released within a few hours of the incident, raising questions about the enforcement of Gujarat’s prohibition laws.

The incident took place late on January 18 on Shilaj–Rancharda road, when a car allegedly driven by Nitin Shah lost control and struck nine vehicles, including two-wheelers. Several vehicles were badly damaged, though no fatalities were reported.

Eyewitnesses said the driver was drunk when locals caught him. Videos recorded by bystanders, which went viral, showed the accused struggling to stand.

There was an initial delay in registering the case due to jurisdictional confusion between Shilaj, Bopal and the M Division Traffic Police, sources said. After several hours, the M Division Traffic Police eventually registered the complaint.

According to the police, a blood sample of the accused has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for tests. Further action would be taken based on the FSL report. 

Questions have been raised after the accused was released within a few hours of the incident. There were allegations that the matter was ‘settled’, while some alleged that potential pressure from higher authorities was the reason for his release..

Meanwhile, several residents have demanded a fair and transparent investigation, including a review of the conduct of the police officers involved in handling the case.

Senior officials have not yet commented on whether a departmental inquiry will be ordered into the matter.