The survivors of a horrific car crash in Vadodara are exploring legal avenues to challenge the bail granted to the accused, arguing that such a move is necessary in the larger public interest. The Gujarat High Court's decision to grant conditional bail to 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia has reopened wounds for the victims, who continue to grapple with severe physical, emotional, and financial trauma nine months after the incident.
The Fateful Night and Its Aftermath
On March 13, 2025, a speeding Volkswagen Virtus, allegedly driven by Rakshit Chaurasia under the influence of narcotics, crashed into three two-wheelers outside the Amrapali Shopping complex in Vadodara's Karelibaug area. The collision threw eight persons off their vehicles. Hemali Patel (37) died on the spot, while seven others sustained critical injuries.
Forensic investigations confirmed the presence of Tetra-Hydro Cannabinol (THC) and Codeine in Chaurasia's bloodstream. Data from the car's Event Data Recorder (EDR) revealed the vehicle was speeding at 140 kmph at the time of impact. A video from the scene, played in court, purportedly showed Chaurasia stepping out of the damaged car and shouting, "Another round, another round," before bystanders caught him.
A Life Sentence of Pain for the Survivors
For 37-year-old Purav Patel, the bail news brought back the agonizing pain of losing his wife, Hemali. Patel himself suffered a head injury and limb injuries, was in a coma for four days, and underwent six surgeries over five months of hospitalization. "I have been able to resume my daily activities only one month ago. It was a miracle," he said, adding that the pain of his loss is indelible.
The crash also devastated the Kewlani family. Komal Kewlani (25), a homoeopathy student, suffered critical injuries to her right leg, losing a major portion of her calf muscle. This has resulted in foot drop due to paralysis of the peroneal nerve, crippling her permanently and preventing her from completing the mandatory internship for her post-graduation degree.
Her brother, Vikas (23), and cousin, Jayesh (18), were also severely injured. Jayesh's right ankle injuries required six surgeries, including one for a bone infection, disrupting his Cost Management Accountancy (CMA) course.
"My daughter has been crippled... The doctors have said that she will not have a complete recovery," said Ajit Kewlani, the father. He questioned the court's mercy for the accused, asking, "what about the victims?" The family has exhausted its medical insurance and received no aid so far.
Legal Battle and the Quest for a Precedent
On December 22, 2025, Justice Nikhil Kariel of the Gujarat High Court granted Chaurasia conditional bail, citing his age (23), lack of antecedents, and the fact that he had been in jail for nine months for the offence predominantly under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). The bail conditions include a surety of Rs 1 lakh, mandatory fortnightly police station attendance for six months, and a restriction from leaving Gujarat.
The survivors, however, are determined to challenge this order. Purav Patel believes his recovery must serve a purpose: to fight for justice and ensure this case becomes a deterrent. "I will fight for justice for Hemali and also ensure that this case becomes an example that deters others," he stated.
Vikas Kewlani expressed dismay, questioning the logic of releasing a drug addict who committed a grave crime. "Does society need a law student, who cannot follow law on his own?... It is a negative example for society," he said.
Ajit Kewlani warned that if the government does not appeal, it would undermine its claims of fighting drug addiction. "This case will become a precedent for cases of drunk drivers to escape jail time," he added. The Vadodara police stated they would decide on filing an appeal after studying the court order in detail.
