In a significant development, Vijay Vaghji Desai, 29, the son of a current police head constable, was arrested by police on Wednesday. The arrest comes in connection with a crash that seriously injured 23-year-old national football player Andre Rahul Bhatia. The incident occurred on the evening of May 14 in Ahmedabad, near the Palladium Mall flyover.
Despite the concrete CCTV evidence it took eight days for authorities to track down and arrest Desai. The CCTV clearly showcased the speeding Mercedes-Benz C220d and its registration number. The delay in the arrest has led to a lot of criticism. Furthermore, questions are being raised about whether the accused was given preferential treatment because of his family history.
Police Trail Car Using Fallen Logo
A broken Mercedes logo was found at the scene of the collision. The investigators used the manufacturer’s Mumbai office to identify the vehicle’s previous owner. According to the owner, Vijay Desai purchased the car in March for Rs 18.5 lakh.
Further confirmation came through call logs and phone location data that confirmed Desai’s presence at the crash scene. CCTV footage from the night also showed Desai behind the wheel. The SG-1 Traffic Police division arrested him at 12 p.m. on May 22.
Victim Still Critical, Family Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
Andre Rahul Bhatia remains on ventilator support in the ICU at Apollo Hospital, with severe injuries including a skull fracture, brain haemorrhage, and major facial trauma. Bhatia, a former captain of St. Xavier’s football team has played for Gandhinagar FC in state competitions and Ahmedabad Avengers in the Gujarat Super League. Andre has competed for Gujarat in competitions like the Subroto Cup and Santosh Trophy.
In order to cover the estimated Rs 30 lakh required for his treatment, his family is currently organizing an online crowdfunding campaign. In addition, his sister and friends have made heartfelt pleas on social media for the young athlete to receive immediate financial assistance.
“He has not regained consciousness since the incident and continues to be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Apollo Hospital,” his cousin said.
Eyewitness Account and Charges Filed
A friend of Bhatia’s who filed the FIR claims that the two were on their way home from a restaurant that evening. During which Bhatia’s two-wheeler was struck from behind by a speeding black sedan close to Zydus Crossroads. After the impact, Desai allegedly fled the scene. In the chaos, another two-wheeler rammed into the crowd that had gathered, injuring more bystanders.
According to reports, Vijay Desai has been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This includes Section 281 (rash driving), 125a and 125b (acts endangering life or personal safety), as well as under the Motor Vehicles Act for negligence and failing to stop after the accident.
Public Outrage Over Delay in Arrest
Despite concrete evidence, the delayed arrest has provoked public outrage and intense media scrutiny. Police initially claimed they were verifying technical details. However, after days of increasing pressure, the police finally made a breakthrough.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic (West) Neeta Desai told mediapersons, “The Mercedes logo fell down at the spot. The police investigated with the company and found that this particular logo had been on a car owned by an Ahmedabad resident. It turned out that this person had sold the car to Vijay in March.”
Officials from the Ahmedabad Rural Police and Traffic Division stated that the right process was followed while collecting evidence.
