BHAVNAGAR, Gujarat, July 19— Two people were killed and two others severely injured when a speeding SUV, allegedly driven by the son of a police officer, rammed into pedestrians and a scooter in Bhavnagar’s Kaliyabeed area earlier this week.
The accused, 20-year-old Harshraj Singh Gohil, was reportedly racing his friend through a crowded street around 4 p.m. when he lost control of his white Hyundai Creta. According to investigators, both vehicles — the Creta and a red Maruti Brezza driven by his friend — were speeding between 120 and 150 km/h.
CCTV footage from the area shows the SUV mowing down two pedestrians before crashing into a scooter, whose tires burst on impact. Both scooter riders were seriously injured and rushed to Sir T Hospital for treatment. Multiple parked vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
The deceased have been identified as 30-year-old Bhargav Bhatt, who had recently gotten married and worked at Madhu Silica, and 65-year-old Champaben Vachani. Both died on the spot due to the intensity of the crash.
Police confirmed that Harshraj is the son of Assistant Sub-Inspector Aniruddha Singh Vajubha Gohil, who is posted at the Local Crime Branch. Eyewitnesses said that soon after the accident, ASI Gohil arrived at the site, slapped his son in public, and handed him over to the Nilambag police.
“We are treating this case strictly, irrespective of the accused’s background. An FIR has been registered, and legal action will follow,” a senior police officer told reporters.
The fatal crash has sparked public outrage over reckless driving and allegations of impunity involving children of government officials.
