Ahmedabad Hit-and-Run: Rapido Passenger Killed in Range Rover Collision; MLA’s Nephew Held

Ahmedabad: A pillion rider was killed after a speeding Range Rover allegedly rammed into a Rapido motorcycle near Shilaj Circle in Ahmedabad on November 11. The driver of the SUV fled the scene following the collision, police said.

The deceased, identified as Harshadkumar Purbia, was travelling as a passenger on the Rapido motorcycle driven by Pradeep Dadwal. The two were heading towards Purbia’s workplace after he booked the ride from Ghatlodia when the accident occurred beyond Shilaj Circle. Their motorcycle was struck by a Range Rover, whose occupants fled the scene immediately after the collision.

Both were rushed to Civil Hospital and subsequently shifted to SIMS Hospital for treatment, where Purbia succumbed to his injuries.

Bopal police registered a case in connection with the fatal accident and arrested the Range Rover driver, identified as Raghavendra Kushwaha, following an investigation using CCTV footage and the vehicle’s registration number. The SUV was also seized.

Kushwaha, who is the nephew of Bapunagar MLA Dineshsinh Kushwaha, is 35 years old and works in the real estate business. Originally from Ahmedabad, he was reportedly travelling from Rancharda towards Shilaj and then ISKCON Platinum to drop off friends when the accident occurred. Four people were travelling in the Range Rover, police said.

He was arrested on Thursday and subsequently granted bail at the police station.

Ahmedabad Rural DSP Neelam Goswami said preliminary investigation had not revealed evidence suggesting that the accused was under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the accident. A medical examination of the accused has been conducted, and further legal procedures are underway.

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) analysis and an inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) are also underway as part of the investigation. Police said additional sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) would be invoked if further investigation revealed evidence warranting their application. DeshGujarat