Farmer Killed in Rajkot Highway Chase: Doctor-Turned-Bootlegger Fleeing Police with Illicit Liquor
A routine police check on the Rajkot–Bhavnagar highway escalated into a deadly chain of events on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of a 49-year-old farmer. The incident unfolded when a man allegedly transporting illicit liquor attempted to evade authorities, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in fatal consequences.
The Fatal Police Encounter
The sequence began near Sardhar, where police had established a checkpoint as part of heightened security measures during ongoing local body elections. According to a formal complaint filed by LRD Krishnavir Singh Gohil, officers signaled a car to stop around 11:30 AM. Instead of complying, the driver, identified as 34-year-old Vipul Handa, accelerated aggressively and sped away, immediately triggering a dangerous pursuit by law enforcement.
Perilous High-Speed Chase
What followed was a harrowing chase along the narrow Sardhar–Lodhida stretch of the highway. Handa allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, executing dangerous swerves and maneuvers in a desperate attempt to escape police capture. The chaotic pursuit created hazardous conditions for all road users in the vicinity.
In the midst of this turmoil, Handa's vehicle violently collided with an oncoming motorcycle, critically injuring the rider, Dinesh Solanki. Despite being rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment, Solanki tragically succumbed to his injuries. The pursuit concluded shortly after the collision when police successfully intercepted and apprehended Handa.
Shocking Discoveries and Background
Medical examinations conducted following Handa's arrest confirmed he was operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. A thorough search of his car revealed approximately 100 liters of country-made illicit liquor, indicating he was actively engaged in transporting prohibited alcoholic substances.
Investigators were particularly struck by Handa's unexpected professional background. The accused holds a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree and had previously operated a small medical clinic. He later invested in establishing a hospital in Gadhada within Botad district, but this entrepreneurial venture failed spectacularly, leaving him burdened with debts approaching Rs 35 lakh.
Police authorities believe that prolonged financial distress over recent years may have driven Handa toward illegal bootlegging activities as a means of addressing his substantial monetary obligations.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
A formal case has been registered against Vipul Handa under multiple legal provisions. The charges include Sections 105 and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Prohibition Act. These comprehensive charges reflect the seriousness of the offenses, which encompass dangerous driving resulting in death, evasion of law enforcement, and transportation of illicit liquor.
The tragic incident has highlighted the dangerous consequences of attempting to evade police checks while engaging in illegal activities, particularly during election periods when security measures are intensified across the region.
