The Gujarat High Court has granted conditional bail to Rakshit Chaurasiya, the law student accused in a horrific car accident in Vadodara that resulted in one death and seven injuries. Justice N S Kariel pronounced the order on Monday, considering the applicant's young age and lack of criminal antecedents.
The Fateful Night in Karelibaug
The incident traces back to the evening of March 13, 2025. According to the Vadodara city police, Chaurasiya, then a law student at M S University, was driving a Volkswagen Virtus along with co-accused Praanshu Chauhan. The police allege they were under the influence of narcotics when the speeding car ploughed into three two-wheelers outside the Amrapali Shopping complex in the busy Karelibaug area.
The impact was immediate and severe. One woman died on the spot, while seven other individuals sustained injuries. Chaurasiya was arrested by the police on the night of March 14, hours after the crash. The police chargesheet, filed in June 2025, presented damning technical evidence. The Event Data Recorder (EDR) report from Volkswagen confirmed the car was speeding at 140 kmph at the moment of collision.
Narcotics Influence and Legal Arguments
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report played a crucial role in the case. It confirmed the presence of Tetra-Hydro Cannabinol (THC) and codeine in Chaurasiya's bloodstream, leading to the allegation that he was driving under the influence of a "cocktail of narcotics." The police also invoked a second case under the NDPS Act against the accused.
During the bail hearing, the Assistant Public Prosecutor strongly opposed the plea. He highlighted Chaurasiya's alleged conduct post-accident, including claims that he screamed "Another round!" and showed a remorseless attitude. The state argued that the seriousness of the offence, involving death and multiple injuries, warranted continued custody.
However, Chaurasiya's defence counsel presented counter-arguments. They emphasised that their client had "no antecedents" until this incident and was a student with no intention to flee, as he was apprehended from the scene itself. The counsel also pointed out that the co-accused, Praanshu Chauhan, who is the son of the car's owner, had already been granted bail by a lower court on the grounds of an "unauthorised" arrest.
Court's Reasoning for Granting Bail
Justice Kariel, in an oral order, noted the gravity of the offence but leaned towards granting bail considering several factors. The court remarked that the applicant was a "young person, aged around 23" and a student who needed "a chance to reform," aligning with the object of law.
The judge observed that Chaurasiya had been in custody since March 14, 2025, and the chargesheet was filed in June 2025. Having spent approximately nine months in jail, the court found that his bail application "needs to be considered." The oral order acknowledged the allegations of narcotic influence but balanced it against the applicant's profile and period of incarceration.
The bail comes with strict conditions. Chaurasiya must furnish a surety of Rs 1 lakh. For the first six months, he is mandated to mark his presence every fortnight at the concerned police station in Vadodara city, and monthly thereafter. He has been directed not to leave the state of Gujarat and must inform the Investigating Officer of any change in his residential address.
The case has drawn significant public attention in Vadodara, highlighting issues of reckless driving, substance abuse, and judicial accountability. The trial in the lower court will proceed as the legal process continues to determine final culpability for the tragic event that unfolded on a bustling Vadodara street.
