A joyous birthday celebration in Mhow turned into an unimaginable tragedy in the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026, when a horrific road accident claimed the lives of three young individuals, including the children of two prominent Madhya Pradesh Congress leaders. The sole survivor of the crash remains in critical condition.
The Fatal Collision on Tejaji Nagar Bypass
According to Deputy Police Commissioner Krishna Lal Chandani, the accident occurred around 5:15 am on the Tejaji Nagar bypass near Ralamandal in Indore. The four friends were returning in a Tata Nexon after celebrating the birthday of Prakhar Kasliwal in Mhow. Their vehicle collided with tremendous force into a stationary truck.
The impact was so severe that the front section of the car was completely crushed and rendered unrecognizable. Preliminary investigations suggest that Prakhar Kasliwal, who was driving, may have been under the influence of alcohol and lost control of the vehicle.
Victims and the Aftermath
The accident resulted in three immediate fatalities. The deceased have been identified as:
- Prerna Bachchan (26), daughter of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bala Bachchan.
- Prakhar Kasliwal, son of Congress spokesperson Anand Kasliwal.
- Mana Sandhu, another young occupant of the vehicle.
The fourth occupant, Anushka Rathi, survived the crash but sustained critical injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. Police officials confirmed that Prakhar, Prerna, and Mana died on the spot.
Condolences and Official Response
The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the political circles and the state. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his profound grief over the incident. Taking to social media platform X, he described the deaths as "extremely heartbreaking" and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of Anushka Rathi.
The police have registered a case and a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events, including confirming reports of drunk driving and determining why the truck was stationary on the bypass. The community mourns the loss of young lives in this devastating Madhya Pradesh accident that has left two prominent families and their associates in deep sorrow.
