Vadodara Crash Accused Was Detained by Police Last Month, Released After Apology

Vadodara Hit-and-Run Accused Had Prior Brush with Law, Released After Apology Last Month

The 24-year-old man accused in Wednesday's fatal hit-and-run case that killed two siblings had been detained by police just last month for reckless driving, only to be let off with an apology, police records reveal. The revelation has sparked outrage among citizens questioning the effectiveness of lenient punishments for traffic violations.  

Dhruv Mehta (name changed), the son of a local businessman, was arrested Thursday after his speeding Mercedes rammed into a scooter carrying 22-year-old engineering student Priya Patel and her 19-year-old brother Jay. The siblings died on the spot near Akota Gardens.  

Shockingly, police records show Mehta was detained on October 12 near the same area after multiple complaints of dangerous driving and performing stunts in his luxury car. "He was let go after his father intervened and he submitted a written apology," revealed Police Inspector Rakesh Sharma of Sayajigunj Police Station.  

"This was no accident - it was murder by negligence," said a distraught Harshad Patel, the victims' uncle. "Had they taken strict action last month, my niece and nephew would be alive today."  

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene where the speeding car hit the scooter with such force that both victims were thrown nearly 20 feet. "He didn't even brake after hitting them," said shopkeeper Mahesh Yadav, who called the police.  

The case has reignited debate about VIP culture and lax enforcement of traffic laws. "We see this pattern repeatedly - wealthy offenders get away with warnings while common citizens pay with their lives," said road safety activist Dr. Reena Desai. "That apology letter cost two innocent lives."  

Police have now charged Mehta under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 279 (rash driving). Investigators are also examining whether alcohol was involved.  

As Vadodara mourns the young siblings, their grieving parents ask one haunting question: "Why wasn't his license suspended last month? Why did they let a repeat offender back on the road?" The answers may determine whether this tragedy becomes a turning point for traffic law enforcement in the city.