Taxi driver dies after alleged mob assault following series of collisions in Juhapura

Tension gripped the Juhapura locality late on Tuesday night after a taxi driver died in what is suspected to be a case of mob violence following a series of reckless driving incidents. The deceased, identified as Kaushik Chauhan, allegedly drove his MUV, an Ertiga bearing registration number GJ 27 TF 9895, at dangerously high speed, resulting in multiple collisions across the city.

It is suspected that Chauhan was under the influence. He first collided with a vehicle near Vasna and then continued driving erratically towards Juhapura. He reportedly struck a couple more cars near the Al Aksa Mosque area, including a two-wheeler, before his vehicle crashed into a road divider near Azim Park lane. 

What followed was even more disturbing. Residents, angered by the chaos and damage caused, allegedly started damaging Chauhan’s car with stones and then dragged Chauhan out of his vehicle and assaulted him. It is suspected that he was beaten severely and left unconscious near the front of his vehicle.

Vejalpur police, however, offered a cautious response. “There were no visible external injuries linked to the accident itself,” an official stated. “Preliminary findings suggest he may have died due to shock or injuries sustained in the assault.” The body has been sent to Sola Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Crime Branch officials have begun collecting CCTV footage from the area to identify the individuals involved in the incident. Authorities are also interviewing those whose vehicles were struck during the sequence of crashes.

Sources revealed that Chauhan was a resident of Isanpur. Police reportedly found empty glasses and packets of savoury snacks in his vehicle, but no direct evidence of alcohol consumption has yet been established.

The situation was brought under control by the police late in the night. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether Chauhan’s death was the result of assault, an accident, or a combination of both.