Rakshit Chaurasiya, the 20-year-old law student accused of causing a fatal accident in Vadodara, had previously been involved in an incident where locals confronted and assaulted him for disruptive behavior while allegedly intoxicated, police revealed.

According to officials, on February 19, Chaurasiya and his friends were drinking at a house in the city when their loud shouting drew the attention of neighbors. Frustrated by the disturbance, some locals stepped in and physically reprimanded them. A lawyer residing in the building reported the commotion to the police. However, when law enforcement arrived, the advocate chose not to press charges, suggesting that the students be let off with a warning.

Currently in police custody for two days, Chaurasiya has denied being intoxicated or driving recklessly during Friday’s fatal crash. He claimed that his visibility was obstructed by the sudden deployment of an airbag, leading to the accident.

"There was a pothole near the intersection, and while maneuvering to avoid it, my car slightly hit a scooter ahead. That’s when the emergency airbag deployed, blocking my view and causing the collision," he told reporters.

However, footage from the accident site tells a different story. A video shows Chaurasiya, appearing heavily intoxicated, emerging from his vehicle and shouting “another round,” while bystanders attempted to restrain him. Victims lay injured on the road as the scene unfolded.

Police investigations indicate that Chaurasiya was speeding at around 120 kmph, although he insists he was driving at just 50 kmph.

"I only saw a scooter and a car ahead of me. I didn’t notice any pedestrians on the roadside," he stated, his face visibly swollen with bruises.

When questioned about his activities before the crash, Chaurasiya claimed he had not attended any parties and was merely returning home after a Holika Dahan celebration. However, police confirmed that he was under the influence and driving at high speed when he lost control of the vehicle.

The accident claimed the life of Hemani Patel, who was riding a scooter with her young daughter to buy Holi colors. She died instantly, while four others, including her child, sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities also arrested a second suspect, Mit Chauhan, the owner of the car, who was in the vehicle with Chaurasiya at the time of the crash. Chauhan, a student at a private university in Vadodara, is being investigated for his role in the incident.

Police are now awaiting forensic results to determine the exact substances Chaurasiya had consumed before the tragedy.