3 killed in Thar-Fortuner accident near Bopal bridge; Liquor bottles found

Ahmedabad: An accident occurred early this morning near Bopal Flyover on SP Ring Road, involving two SUVs. Three people died in the accident, while one person was injured and subsequently shifted to Sola Civil Hospital for treatment. One of the vehicles involved in the accident was carrying liquor. Traffic police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation.

The accident involved a Fortuner carrying liquor colliding head-on with a Thar making a U-turn . The impact flung the Thar 150 feet away, resulting in the death of its two occupants. The Fortuner, loaded with liquor, overturned and was thrown 300 meters from the accident site, leading to another fatality.

It is reported that the Fortuner was speeding between 150 to 200 km/h, with evidence suggesting the collision occurred at around 200 km/h. The car’s speedometer was found stuck at 200 km/h. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is collecting evidence, though tire marks may not be identifiable due to rain. Police investigation revealed that CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the incident were switched off.

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Manish Bhatt (52), a real estate businessman originally from Viramgam, and Ajit Kathi (32) were in the Thar car and both lost their lives in the accident. Meanwhile, Omprakash aka Pappu, the owner of the Fortuner, also died. Rajuram Bishnoi (24), hailing from Sanchor in Rajasthan, was injured and is undergoing treatment at Sola Civil Hospital.

The Fortuner involved has license plate number GJ18 BK 9808, originally registered to a Maruti Alto. It is not possible for two cars to have the same number, indicating that the Fortuner’s number plate is incorrect. Official records show that this number belongs to an Alto car, likely owned by someone named Jayanti. The police are investigating this matter.

Early this morning, a Fortuner was traveling towards Bopal from Vaishnodevi, with Om Prakash alias Pappu and Rajuram Bishnoi, both from Rajasthan, on board. At the same time, a Thar was coming from Bopal Bridge, driven by Ajit Kathi and Manish Bhatt. As the Thar was turning right towards Rajpath Club Road, it collided with the Fortuner. The accident resulted in the deaths of Manish Bhatt, Ajit Kathi, and Om Prakash, while Raju Ram Bishnoi is undergoing treatment. It is worth noting that the Fortuner was filled with alcohol.

Details have emerged that Ajit Kathi, a suspected bootlegger and a murder accused was recently granted bail on the condition of staying out of Viramgam. He married two years ago and has a one-year-old child. His father, Bharat Kathi, is currently incarcerated for the murder of BJP corporator Sonalben Gamot’s husband in Viramgam.

Manish Bhatt, a real estate broker, had traveled to Viramgam the previous day. He was returning with Ajit Kathi, an acquaintance from the same village.

Om Prakash, according to relatives, managed a Gaushala in Barmer, Rajasthan, where he collected donations for Gaushala by organizing Jagrans. It is learnt that Om Prakash owned the Fortuner involved in the incident. However, it remains unclear why he was transporting liquor in his vehicle to Ahmedabad. Rajendra Sahu, his companion, hails from a nearby village. DeshGujarat