In the highly publicized Vadodara Gujarat accident case Rakshit Chaurasiya, the primary accused who crashed the car into two wheelers that caused the death of a woman, was under the influence of marijuana, not alcohol, according to the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
In this tragic accident that occurred on March 13, 2025, in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area, 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia was reportedly at the wheel which led to the death of Hemaliben Patel and left many others injured. Initial reports indicated that Chaurasia was under the effect of alcohol at the moment of the accident. However, forensic investigations have shown that he had consumed marijuana, and not alcohol, before the crash.
The Incident
On the night of March 13, Chaurasia was at the wheel of a Volkswagen Virtus when he lost control of the vehicle, crashing into three two-wheelers. The accident led to the death of a woman and injuries to seven others, including two children aged 10 and 12.
Witnesses reported that Chaurasia was driving the car at a breakneck speed and demonstrated erratic behavior immediately after the crash. He was heard shouting phrases such as “another round,” “Uncle,” “Om Namah Shivay,” and a woman’s name, leading to assumptions about his mental state and possible intoxication and disorientation.
In this Vadodara,, Gujarat, accident case, Rakshit Chaurasiya tried to make light of the incident and put the blame on external factors in order to reduce his accountability. He blamed a pothole and airbags that reportedly blocked his view.
Initial Investigation and Rapid Test Findings
Following the Vadodara, Gujarat accident, law enforcement officials performed a rapid test using a narcotics detection kit to evaluate Chaurasia’s sobriety. The test showed the presence of drugs in his system.
However, since the results from rapid test kits are not admissible as evidence in court, they serve essentially as primary indicators. In the Vadodara, Gujarat accident case, Rakshit Chaurasiya was reportedly accompanied by Praanshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad. Subsequently, blood samples from Chaurasia and his co-passengers, Praanshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad, were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for thorough analysis.
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Report
The FSL carried out a thorough examination of the blood samples, employing advanced techniques such as gas chromatography, a method known for its accuracy in identifying specific substances in the bloodstream. The analysis established the presence of marijuana (cannabis) metabolites in Chaurasia’s blood, convincingly demonstrating that he had consumed the substance before the accident. Remarkably, the tests found no signs of alcohol, contradicting earlier assumptions about his state of inebriation.
Chaurasia’s Statements and Defence
In the Vadodara, Gujarat accident case, Rakshit Chaurasiya provided his version of the events leading up to the crash. He claimed that the accident was triggered by the deployment of the car’s airbags, which supposedly hindered his vision and caused him to lose control of the vehicle. He stated, “We were going ahead on a scooter, turning right when we hit a pothole.
There was a scooter and a parked car near the turn. Our car slightly touched the scooter, and the airbags opened. After that, I couldn’t see anything and lost control.” He also insisted that the car was moving at a speed of approximately 50-60 kmph at that time.
At first, Chaurasia denied the consumption of inebriants. However, he later acknowledged consuming bhang, a traditional Indian formulation made from cannabis, during the Holika Dahan celebrations earlier that evening. This admission is in sync with the FSL findings of marijuana in his system.
In the Vadodara, Gujarat accident case, Rakshit Chaurasia expressed regret for his actions and indicated a willingness to meet the families of victims, stating, “I was told that one woman has died and a few others are injured. I want to meet the families of the victims. It is my fault, and whatever they want should happen.”
Legal Implications and Expert Insights
The confirmation of drug consumption has considerable legal ramifications. Driving under the influence of narcotics is a very serious offense under Indian law, which carries stringent penalties. Experts from the Gujarat FSL emphasized the challenges in prosecuting cases involving drug consumption compared to alcohol.
Unlike alcohol, which has a legal limit for impairment, even a small amount of an illicit drug like marijuana in the bloodstream can constitute an offense. While alcohol dissipates from the blood in a few hours, traces of drugs can be identified for a longer period, which makes timely testing critical.
The FSL expert explained, “Unlike the case of alcohol consumption, where the condition is that the level of alcohol in the blood should be above 50 mg to be considered a crime, in cases of drug consumption, even a smaller quantity detected in the bloodstream is an offense.”
Broader Context and Societal Implications
This incident has ignited a wider conversation about drug use, especially among young adults, and its consequences for public safety. The fact that Chaurasia, a law student, was implicated in such an incident drew attention to the need for heightened awareness and education about the hazards of driving under the influence of any inebriant, whether it is alcohol or drugs.
Moreover, the cultural environment of consuming substances such as bhang during festivals raises questions about traditional practices and modern legal frameworks.
While bhang has historical and cultural significance in India, its consumption, especially when it impairs one’s ability to perform tasks such as driving, poses legal and ethical dilemmas. The bottom line of the Vadodara, Gujarat, accident case is that one should not drive a car under the influence of drugs or substances.
Conclusion
In the Vadodara, Gujarat, accident case, Rakshit Chaurasiya’s car crash serves as a tragic reminder of the perils associated with driving in an inebriated condition. The FSL’s confirmation of marijuana consumption before the accident has critical legal consequences and stresses the need for stringent enforcement of laws related to driving under the effect of drugs.
As the legal proceedings move forward, this case may set a precedent as to how similar incidents will be addressed in the future, highlighting the significance of sensible behavior and compliance with traffic laws to ensure public safety.
About Author
Ananda Murthy JS is an English teacher in Hyderabad. His teaching experience spans more than 30 years, which includes his stint as an IGCSE teacher in the Maldives, lecturer in English for Intermediate students, writer and editor/language specialist, and IELTS, GRE and TOEFL trainer. He also provides English coaching to students appearing for CAT, IELTS, GRE and TOEFL privately in Hyderabad. Ananda has proficiency in editing SWOT analyses, market forecast and other reports, conducting Effective English sessions, and imparting training in Business English. He also write business blogs, key word dense articles and original articles on various topics.