A speeding Range Rover, driven by the nephew of a BJP MLA in Gujarat, rammed a Rapido bike in Ahmedabad on Wednesday morning, killing the passenger and injuring the rider. The SUV driver, 35-year-old Raghavendra Kushwaha, was detained by police on Thursday and later released after being served a legal notice.
The police said there was "no provision to arrest him".The accident took place around 6.45 am on November 11, when the victim was travelling to his workplace, where he worked as a security guard. The two-wheeler was being ridden by 50-year-old Pradeep Dadwal, who sustained minor injuries.The bike slowed down and attempted to take a right turn when the Range Rover, coming from the opposite direction, rammed into it, throwing both men onto the road.
The passenger, identified as Purabia, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. He was later shifted to an advanced medical facility, where he died during treatment.The Range Rover driver, nephew of Bapunagar MLA Dineshsinh Kushwaha, fled the scene after the collision.
Police traced the vehicle using its registration number, which was provided by a person present at the accident site, and subsequently identified Kushwaha as the driver. However, he was released shortly after being detained, triggering allegations of mishandling of the case."We issued him (Raghavendra) a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) because there is no provision for arrest in this case," Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat, said explaining why Kushwaha was not arrested.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Neelam Goswami said the accused was taken into custody on November 12. The vehicle was seized and sent for forensic examination, while the Regional Transport Office (RTO) was also asked to inspect it.Kushwaha underwent a medical examination and his blood sample was collected for testing.
Further action would be decided based on the findings of the report, officials added.However, questions have been raised over the police action, particularly the decision to release the accused and the conflicting statements by officials regarding the collection of his blood sample. While Jat confirmed that a sample had been collected, Goswami reportedly said it had not been taken.
The investigation is yet to establish whether Kushwaha was under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant at the time of the accident.Kushwaha, who is associated with the construction and real estate business, was reportedly returning from a party and was on his way to drop off his friends when the accident occurred.A case has been registered under Sections 106(1) (causing death by a rash or negligent act), 281 (rash driving), 125(a) and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Further investigation is underway.- Ends