The nephew of a BJP MLA in Gujarat has been arrested for allegedly killing one person and seriously injuring another after his speeding Range Rover rammed into a Rapido motorcycle near Shilaj Circle in Ahmedabad early Wednesday morning.
The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Harshbhai Purbia, who was travelling as a pillion passenger on the Rapido bike. The motorcycle’s driver also sustained serious injuries in the collision.
The accused, Raghavendra Kushwaha, is the nephew of Bapunagar MLA Dineshsinh Kushwaha and is reportedly involved in the real estate business.
According to reports, the accident took place around 7 am when Raghavendra’s Range Rover allegedly hit the motorcycle. He was reportedly returning with four friends after partying through the night in the Kalol area of Gandhinagar.
The Ahmedabad rural police have faced allegations of shielding the accused by failing to conduct a medical examination immediately after the accident and allowing him to obtain bail at the police station. Raghavendra was eventually arrested by Bopal Police more than 40 hours after the incident.
According to the police, the accused and his friends fled the scene in the Range Rover immediately after the collision.
Investigators examined CCTV footage from cameras installed in the surrounding areas to trace the SUV’s movements. The vehicle’s registration number, captured during the investigation, helped police identify Raghavendra as the alleged driver at the time of the accident.
While in custody, Raghavendra reportedly told investigators that he fled the scene out of fear. He has denied being under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.