Apology or publicity stunt? Vadodara car crash accused Rakshit Chaurasia faces backlash on social media

Vadodara car crash accused Rakshit Chaurasia faces backlash on social media

Several images and videos of Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, the accused in the fatal car crash in Vadodara, have surfaced on social media, showing him holding his ears and apologizing as he was brought to the accident site to recreate the scene. His gesture of apology has sparked a wide range of responses online.

In a video released by news agency ANI, Chaurasia is seen limping, likely due to leg injuries, while holding his ears as an apology as he is escorted back to the police van. The main suspect in the Vadodara car crash, which resulted in one woman’s death and injuries to eight others, was brought to the accident site on Saturday to recreate the scene.

#WATCH | Gujarat | Vadodara police bring the accused of the Vadodara accident, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, to the spot for the crime scene recreationOne woman died, and seven others were injured after an overspeeding four-wheeler rammed into a two-wheeler yesterday early morning pic.twitter.com/XJYj8P3dpN
ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025

This gesture of apology has raised concerns about its sincerity and timing. While some have expressed sympathy for the victim's family and accepted Chaurasia's apology, others are calling for a stricter punishment for the accused.

"Is this a genuine apology or just a publicity stunt to gain sympathy?" asked a social media user. Others have expressed outrage, calling for stricter punishment for the accused. "An apology is not enough, he should be punished for his reckless behavior," said another user.

CCTV footage of the incident reveals that Chaurasia’s speeding car collided with two motorcycles near Muktanand Crossroad in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area. One woman died on spot, while four others were critically injured.

The Gujarat Police have filed a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges under the Motor Vehicle Act. A forensic team is gathering evidence, including blood samples from Chaurasia and Pranshu Chauhan, a co-passenger in the car, to determine if they were under the influence of alcohol.

Videos circulating on social media showed Chaurasia’s friend, the car owner, quickly blaming him after the crash. In another video, Chaurasia can be heard shouting, “Another round? Another round?” which has sparked suspicions of intoxication. The footage also captured him being assaulted by bystanders.

Despite the suspicions, Chaurasia has denied being intoxicated. In an interview with the media on Friday, he stated that the car lost control due to potholes on the road and was traveling at around 50 kmph. “I was not drunk. The car lost control because of potholes. I want to meet the family of the deceased because it was my fault. Whatever they decide should happen,” he said.

Chaurasia's remarks to the media, made while police officers were present, have caused an uproar on social media.

One user on X wrote, “Is he now released from police custody? A brutal crime accused is holding a press meet.” Another user asked, “Who gave permission for an accused to hold a press conference?”

The incident in Vadodara has triggered widespread anger. The police have arrested Rakshit and charged him with culpable homicide along with other applicable legal sections.

The controversy continues as investigations progress, with authorities compiling physical, scientific and forensic evidence to prosecute Chaurasia.