Kanpur Lamborghini Crash Investigation Takes New Turn as Driver Comes Forward
The high-profile investigation into Kanpur's Lamborghini crash witnessed a significant development on Wednesday when a man identifying himself as the vehicle's designated driver asserted that he, not tobacco baron K K Mishra's son Shivam Mishra, was operating the luxury sports car at the time of the devastating accident on VIP Road. This claim directly contradicts the police's established position, setting the stage for a complex legal battle.
Driver's Detailed Account of the Crash Sequence
Mohan, who presented himself as the designated driver, provided reporters outside a local court with a vivid narrative of the moments leading to the collision. According to his testimony, he was driving the Lamborghini when Shivam Mishra, seated beside him, allegedly suffered a sudden seizure just before impact.
"I was driving the car when the accident happened," Mohan stated. "Suddenly, he had a seizure and fell on me. I got scared and was trying to hold him with one hand. The car hit a three-wheeler, climbed the divider and stopped."
He further explained that the vehicle's automatic locking system prevented him from immediately exiting after the crash. "I shifted him to the driver's seat and stepped outside. The glass was later broken," Mohan added, describing what he claims was his attempt to reposition Shivam before seeking help.
Court Rejects Surrender Application Amid Police Report
Mohan's legal counsel had filed a formal surrender application before the court, leading to his appearance on Wednesday to surrender himself officially. However, the Gwaltoli police submitted a report to the court that notably omitted Mohan from the list of accused individuals. Based on this police documentation, the court declined to accept his surrender and instead directed the police station to provide a comprehensive detailed report for further consideration.
Crash Details and Evolving Legal Proceedings
The accident involved a Lamborghini Revuelto, an Italian luxury sports vehicle valued at over ₹10 crore, which collided with pedestrians and multiple vehicles in Kanpur's upscale Gwaltoli area around 3 pm on Sunday. Among those injured was 18-year-old e-rickshaw driver Mohd Taufeeq, who initially filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident.
Significantly, the defense has claimed that Taufeeq has since decided against pursuing legal action. Dharmendra Singh "Dharmu," counsel for Shivam Mishra, asserted on Wednesday that Taufeeq reached a mutual settlement and no longer wishes to proceed with the case. Dharmu further alleged that Mohan was indeed driving the car and had compensated Taufeeq for medical expenses and other losses.
Alleged Settlement and Police Station Dynamics
Sources indicate that Taufeeq was summoned to the Gwaltoli police station on the very day of the accident, where a written settlement was allegedly signed between him and the driver in the presence of the then Station House Officer (SHO), Santosh Kumar Gaur. Although SHO Gaur was later stripped of his charge and sent to lines on Wednesday, senior police officials have declined to comment on the existence or validity of this alleged settlement document.
Inconsistent Statements from the Mishra Family
The narrative from Shivam Mishra's family has shown notable inconsistencies. His father, K K Mishra, initially told police that a driver was operating the vehicle while Shivam was merely a passenger. "A driver and Shivam were in the car, and driver Mohan was at the wheel instead of Shivam," he stated earlier.
However, K K Mishra later revised his account, expressing uncertainty about who was driving and emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. He also claimed the Lamborghini had experienced technical issues a day before the incident and was taken out for testing following repairs. According to his version, Shivam began losing consciousness while returning from Civil Lines, and when the driver checked on him, the car slowed and was struck by an autorickshaw.
The family maintains that Shivam suffers from epilepsy and is currently undergoing treatment in Delhi. They have consistently denied allegations of speeding or intoxication related to the crash.
Police Firmly Reject Defense Claims
Kanpur Police have categorically dismissed the family's version of events. Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal informed PTI that CCTV footage, eyewitness testimonies, and other material evidence conclusively indicate Shivam Mishra was driving the car at the time of the crash. Senior officers have cited videos that purportedly show bystanders extracting a man believed to be Shivam from the driver's seat immediately after the collision.
Legal and Investigative Updates
The FIR was initially filed against an unidentified driver but was subsequently amended to name Shivam Mishra as the accused. The Lamborghini has been seized by authorities and sent for comprehensive forensic examination to gather additional evidence. The investigation continues as conflicting accounts and legal maneuvers create a complex web around one of Kanpur's most talked-about traffic incidents.
