Drunken SRP Constable Triggers Chaos on Vadodara Road, Injuring Two
In a shocking incident that unfolded on Wednesday morning, a State Reserve Police (SRP) jawan, allegedly under the heavy influence of alcohol, caused a major disturbance on the bustling Pratapnagar–ONGC Road in Vadodara. The accused, identified as Rajesh Pandav, a head constable with the SRP, rammed his car into three separate vehicles, resulting in injuries to two individuals and widespread chaos in the area.
Details of the Reckless Incident
According to police reports, Pandav lost control of his vehicle, first colliding with another car, then striking an auto-rickshaw, and finally hitting a two-wheeler before his car came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road. The Makarpura police have registered a case against him for rash and negligent driving, along with charges under the stringent Prohibition Act, which bans alcohol in Gujarat.
Eyewitnesses and local residents quickly gathered at the scene, suspecting the driver was intoxicated due to his erratic behavior. Pandav allegedly refused to exit his car, prompting some agitated locals to take matters into their own hands. They broke the car's window glass and forcibly removed him to prevent any attempt to flee. Upon investigation, police discovered a liquor bottle inside the vehicle, corroborating suspicions of drunken driving. Pandav was subsequently arrested for both driving under the influence and illegal possession of liquor.
Vadodara's Alarming Pattern of Drunken Driving Cases
This incident is not an isolated one but part of a disturbing trend of drunken driving cases that have plagued Vadodara over recent months. The city has witnessed a series of similar episodes, raising serious concerns about road safety and law enforcement.
- On January 27, former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin was arrested for driving under the influence and crashing his car into parked vehicles in the Akota area.
- A day later, on January 28, Virendrasinh Jhala was booked by Akota police for drunken driving on Old Padra Road.
- Earlier, on December 13, 2025, Tinku Vijendrasinh hit a two-wheeler while driving drunk on Old Padra Road.
- On December 10, 2025, Pratik Borse rammed his car into a two-wheeler on Ajwa Road.
These incidents pale in comparison to a tragic case on October 24, 2025, when a drunk driver named Nitin Jha ran his car over a family sleeping on a footpath near Vishwamitri Bridge, resulting in the death of a four-year-old girl. Other notable cases include an August 2025 incident where Nilesh Rajput and Satish Chauhan were assaulted by locals after their car hit a two-wheeler in the Warasia area, and a September 2025 episode involving a drunk constable, Amit Parmar, who allegedly created a ruckus while driving in the Makarpura area.
The recurrence of such events underscores a pressing need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and heightened public awareness in Vadodara. As authorities continue to grapple with this issue, the latest case involving an SRP jawan has sparked renewed outrage and calls for accountability.
