Drunk Driving Incident Shocks Raipur: Tourist and Lawyer Arrested After VIP Road Crash
Posted on July 28, 2025 by FactsLibrary
A late-night car accident on Raipur’s VIP Road in Chhattisgarh has sparked outrage and raised questions about road safety and accountability. On February 5, 2025, a speeding car collided with a scooter, seriously injuring three young men. The incident, involving a foreign tourist and a government official, has drawn significant attention due to its chaotic aftermath and the alarming circumstances surrounding it.
What Happened on VIP Road?
Around 12:30 AM, a car bearing a “Government of India” sticker crashed into a scooter carrying three local youths—Neelkamal Sahu, Lalit Chandel, and Arun Vishwakarma. The collision was severe, throwing the riders several meters and leaving them in critical condition. The victims, who work in video production and hail from Raipur, Mahasamund, and Balodabazar, were rushed to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital for treatment. However, reports indicate they left the hospital against medical advice shortly after, a decision known as LAMA (Left Against Medical Advice) in medical terms.
The car was driven by Nodira, a tourist from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time. Accompanying her was Bhavesh Acharya, a public prosecutor for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), who was also reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Eyewitnesses claim the situation was particularly reckless, with Nodira allegedly sitting on Acharya’s lap while he drove the speeding Indigo car, moments before the crash.
Chaos After the Crash
The incident took a dramatic turn when bystanders stopped the car to assist the injured and alert the police. Nodira, in an inebriated state, reportedly caused a public disturbance, shouting at onlookers and accusing them of stealing her lost mobile phone. Videos circulating online captured her arguing with police and bystanders, escalating tensions at the scene. The Telibandha police eventually detained both Nodira and Acharya, who are now in custody for three days as the investigation unfolds.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
The police have registered a case against Nodira and Acharya under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash driving and causing an accident. Additional charges, including drunk driving, are expected pending medical reports. The vehicle, registered to Acharya, has been seized, and authorities are probing the circumstances of the incident, including Nodira’s activities in Raipur and her connection to the DRI official. While Nodira was in India on a tourist visa, her place of residence in the city remains unclear, raising further questions.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The accident has ignited public anger, with the victims’ families demanding strict action against those responsible. The involvement of a government vehicle and a public prosecutor has intensified scrutiny, highlighting issues of privilege and accountability. Social media posts reflect growing frustration, with many questioning how such reckless behavior went unchecked on a prominent road like VIP Road.
The Bigger Picture: Road Safety and Responsibility
This incident underscores the dangers of drunk driving, a persistent issue that claims countless lives annually. It also raises concerns about the misuse of official vehicles and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. For tourists visiting India, this serves as a reminder to respect local regulations and prioritize safety. For officials, it’s a call to uphold the trust placed in them by the public.
Conclusion
The Raipur accident is a sobering reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior on the road. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the injured youths and preventing similar incidents in the future. What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your views in the comments below and let’s discuss how we can promote safer roads for everyone.
Sources: The Statesman, Oneindia News, NewsX, Free Press Journal, The Times of India, NDTV, News9Live; X Post
