The recent hit-and-run case involving Vijay Vaghji Desai, the son of a serving Ahmedabad police constable, has ignited widespread public outrage. This comes after the accused was granted bail with no opposition from the police.
Police Fail to Oppose Bail in Court
Vijay, who fled the scene after hitting Bhatia, was arrested on May 22. The arrest follows growing media coverage and social media pressure. However, during court proceedings, the police did not object to his bail plea, allowing the accused to walk free just days after his arrest.
This has raised serious questions about police neutrality, especially given that the accused is a policeman’s son. Activists and legal experts argue that had the accused been a common citizen, the response would have been drastically different.
How can a Police Constable’s Son afford Mercedes?
The high profile case has also raised serious concerns over unexplained wealth. Questions are being raised over how a police constable’s son could afford a luxury car reportedly purchased for Rs 18.5 lakh. This has prompted calls for an investigation into financial irregularities and potential misuse of position.
Activists have demanded a probe into the financial background of the accused and his family, suggesting that the case may go beyond hit-and-run and maybe into the realm of corruption.
System Favouring the Influential?
The hit-and-run has now become a symbol of unequal justice in India, with critics highlighting how the rich and well-connected often find ways to escape the full consequences of the law.
“If a constable’s son gets bail without resistance despite such serious injuries to the victim, what hope do ordinary people have?” questioned a local advocate.
The public, along with civil rights groups, are demanding an independent inquiry, stricter charges, and accountability for both the accused and the officials who failed to act in time.
What happened on the night of May 14?
Vijay, 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.
