A horrifying case of reckless driving has emerged from Bhavnagar, where two pedestrians were killed and two others injured after a high-speed SUV driven by the son of a police officer plowed through a crowded street during an alleged street race.

The accused, 20-year-old Harshraj Singh Gohil, was behind the wheel of a white Hyundai Creta when the crash occurred in the Kaliyabeed area around 4 PM earlier this week. Witnesses and officials confirmed that Harshraj was racing with a friend, who was driving a red Maruti Brezza, when he lost control at dangerously high speeds.

Authorities estimate the speed of the vehicle to be between 120 and 150 km/h, far beyond safe limits for the congested road conditions. The out-of-control SUV first struck two pedestrians, then veered into a two-wheeler. The tyres of the scooter burst on impact, and both riders sustained injuries.

Who were the Two Victims?

The pedestrians were identified as Bhargav Bhatt, 30, and Champaben Vachani, 65. Both died on the spot. Bhatt, who had married only last year, was reportedly on his way to work at Madhu Silica when the tragedy struck. The injured two-wheeler riders were taken to Sir T Hospital for immediate treatment.

“Harshraj was fond of driving and occasionally raced with his friends,” said one police official familiar with the investigation. Surveillance footage capturing the sequence of events has since surfaced on social media and has sparked widespread outrage over the dangerous behaviour.

Harshraj is the son of Assistant Sub Inspector Aniruddha Singh Vajubha Gohil, serving in the Local Crime Branch of Bhavnagar. In a dramatic post-incident development, ASI Gohil rushed to the crash site, slapped and beat his own son, and personally handed him over to the Nilambag police station.

Case Registered

Although Harshraj was taken into custody and interrogated, officials confirmed that a formal arrest had not yet been made at the time. However, sources indicated that his arrest was expected by around 6 PM the same day. A case has been registered with the A-Division Police Station, and legal proceedings are in motion.

The violent crash not only took lives and caused injuries but also resulted in damage to multiple nearby vehicles, as per the official report. “This incident took place on a busy road. Such reckless driving endangered many lives,” a senior officer added.

CCTV clips that have gone viral show the Creta car hitting the pedestrians and crashing into the scooter within seconds. The footage has intensified demands for stricter enforcement against street racing and irresponsible driving — particularly by those connected to influential families.