Vadodara Car Crash: Accused Driver Was High On Marijuana, Not Drunk, Reveals Forensic Report

Rakshit Chaurasia, a 23-year-old law student from Prayagraj, was under the influence of marijuana when he rammed a speeding car into multiple vehicles in Vadodara, resulting in the death of a woman. A forensic report confirmed that he was not drunk but had consumed marijuana at the time of the incident, police said. The crash occurred on March 14 near Muktanand crossroads in Karelibaug, a busy area in Vadodara.

Chaurasia, a fourth-year law student at MS University, was driving a Volkswagen Virtus sedan belonging to his friend Pranshu Chauhan when he collided with multiple two-wheelers at around 12:30 am. The crash killed Hemali Patel and injured others. 

A viral video from the scene showed Chaurasia shouting "another round" and "Om Namah Shivay" while dressed in a black T-shirt. He was arrested the next day and is currently lodged in Vadodara Central Jail.

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According to the primary findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, Chaurasia’s blood sample tested positive for marijuana. The police clarified that he was not intoxicated with alcohol. His co-passengers Pranshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad also tested positive for the same substance.

All three, Chaurasia, Chauhan and Bharwad, have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In addition, a section for driving under the influence of drugs has been added under the Motor Vehicles Act in the original FIR. On Friday, Chauhan, who was present in the car and owns the vehicle, was also arrested.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya said that a detailed report has been sought from car manufacturer Volkswagen to determine the speed and technical conditions that may have led to the crash. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to arrest the third accused, Suresh Bharwad.