A 20-year-old man who chanted ‘Om Namah Shivay’ after ramming his car into five people in Vadodara on Thursday, has denied that he was drunk.

The accused  youngster, with his friend sitting beside him, rammed his car into vehicles and pedestrians near Amrapali Complex in the Karelibaug area of Vadodara, Gujarat, leaving one dead and multiple people injured. 

Rakshit Chaurasia and his friend Meet Chauhan were taken into custody.

As per reports, Chaurasia told the media that there was a pothole near the intersection on the stretch they were driving. Noticing the available space, they attempted to pass, but due to the pothole, their car made contact with the scooter in front. 

He further explained that at that moment, the emergency airbag opened, obstructing their view, which ultimately led to the collision.

A video from the crash site shows a visibly drunk Chaurasia stepping  out of the car after the accident and shouting “another round”. 

The video showed that the car was running at a high speed. However, the young man denied he was speeding.

Vadodara police on Thursday stated that the two individuals responsible for the accident had consumed drugs on the night of the incident to celebrate Holi. This was revealed in a rapid test. A medical test has also been conducted, and its report will be obtained soon.

As per initial reports, the deceased was identified as Hemaliben, who had stepped out for shopping ahead of the festival of Dhuleti. The accident also left Jaini (12), Nishaben (35), an unidentified girl, and a 40-year-old man severely injured. All the injured victims are undergoing treatment, and with some in critical condition, the death toll could rise further.

Chaurasia is a native of Varanasi in UP, studying law at M S University.

Another video doing the rounds on social media showed Chaurasia’s disturbing behaviour after the accident. His friend, Chauhan, immediately jumped out of the car and fled, claiming he had no connection with the accident. 

Meanwhile, Chaurasia stepped out of the vehicle fearlessly and began chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ while shouting phrases like “Nikita, Meri… Uncle… Om Namah Shivay…”.

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Lovelorn youngster rams car into vehicles, pedestrians, kills 1, injures atleast 4 in Vadodara’s Karelibaug