A tragic incident in Ahmedabad has sparked outrage and accusations of murder after a car rammed into a scooter, resulting in the death of the rider. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred in the early hours of Monday near the Jhansi Ki Rani BRTS bus stand in the Nehrunagar area.
The victims, Akram Altaf Qureshi, 22, and Ashfaq Jafar Ajmeri, 35, both residents of Jamalpur, were traveling on a Honda Activa scooter towards Shivranjini crossroads when they were struck from behind by a speeding car. The impact threw both men onto the road, causing severe injuries. Akram Qureshi died on the spot, while Ashfaq Ajmeri was rushed to Sola Civil Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The driver of the car, Rohan Paresh Soni, 20, has been arrested by the police. According to reports, Soni was driving the car at high speed and in a reckless manner when the incident occurred. Following the accident, the scooter was found mangled beyond recognition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the car is owned by Nishaben Soni, resident of Maninagar and was being driven by her son, Rohan Soni, a college student who was alone in the vehicle.
The family of the deceased has alleged that the incident was not just a case of reckless driving but a deliberate act of murder. They are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, claiming that there may have been a prior dispute or animosity that led to the deadly collision.
Adding to the complexity of the case, CCTV footage from the area showed three cars apparently racing at the time, prompting police to investigate whether the suspect was engaged in street racing. Police are also examining whether Rohan was intoxicated or under the influence of illicit substances at the time. "At present, we have detained Rohan and his mother for questioning. Further investigation will establish whether there was any racing involved or if the driver was under the influence," said Neeta Desai, DCP, Traffic West, Ahmedabad.
The police have registered a case against Rohan Paresh Soni under charges of rash and negligent driving causing death and have seized the car for forensic examination. Records indicate that Soni has a history of traffic violations, including over-speeding, using tinted windows, driving without documents, and confronting police. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team is assessing the vehicle's speed at the time of impact, while the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is inspecting its brakes and other mechanical aspects. Both the driver and the car owner are being questioned.
This incident is not an isolated one. Ahmedabad has seen a number of recent accidents involving speeding vehicles and scooters. In December 2024, two young men died when a speeding SUV, driven by a drunk driver, jumped a divider and crashed into their scooter.
These incidents highlight the pressing need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and increased awareness regarding road safety. Authorities are urging citizens to follow traffic rules, avoid over-speeding and drunk driving, and prioritize safety on the roads.