Vadodara SUV Crash: Driver Flees Scene After High-Speed Raopura Accident
In a dramatic early morning incident, a high-speed SUV crashed violently into a divider and a traffic signal on Raopura main road in Vadodara, leaving a trail of destruction before the driver fled the scene. The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, around 3 am, when the usually bustling Raopura stretch had minimal vehicular movement.
Sequence of Events as Captured on CCTV
CCTV footage from the area reveals a harrowing sequence of events. The SUV was traveling from Jubelibaug towards Chimnabai Tower at an excessive speed while attempting to overtake another vehicle. In a dangerous maneuver, the car swerved into the opposite lane, and the driver appeared completely unaware of the rod divider ahead.
A sudden, panicked attempt to change course proved futile, causing the SUV to jump the divider entirely. The vehicle then rammed with tremendous force into the traffic signal pole and the adjacent traffic control box. The impact was so severe that it knocked off one of the SUV's wheels. The heavily damaged vehicle eventually came to a halt on the pavement, but by the time police arrived at the spot, the driver had already escaped.
Complex Ownership Trail Complicates Investigation
Raopura police inspector K K Jadhav provided details on the vehicle's complicated ownership history, which is hindering the investigation. The SUV was originally registered in the name of Mitul Panchal. However, it had changed hands multiple times without the official transfer of ownership being recorded.
"Panchal sold the SUV to Surpalsingh Vala, who later sold it to Harendra Bhadoriya. However, the ownership was never updated in the official records," Inspector Jadhav stated.
Harendra Bhadoriya, who was out of station at the time of the accident, informed the police that he had given the SUV to Aakash Darji. This exchange occurred after Darji handed over his own car to Bhadoriya for a coating job. "At present, it is not clear who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident," Jadhav added, highlighting the investigative challenge.
Legal Action Initiated by Police
In response to the incident, the police have registered a formal offence under multiple legal provisions. The case has been filed under:
- The Motor Vehicles Act
- The Damage to Public Property Act
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash and negligent driving
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the driver responsible for the high-speed crash and the subsequent flight from the scene. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and vehicle registration compliance on busy city stretches like Raopura.
