Vadodara: In yet another alarming case of rash driving, a speeding car ploughed into a crowded tea-stall in Sayajigunj on Monday night, injuring three people and wrecking two roadside stalls. The driver, Mukesh Lakhani, has been arrested by police.The incident occurred near Dairy Den Circle at around 11.15pm. Victim Kautilya Chauhan told reporters that he was hanging out with a friend near Ganesh Tea-Stall when a car coming from Surya Palace Hotel Road lost control and struck the stall. Along with Chauhan, his friend Shashank Raju and a woman sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.Lakhani, a resident of Vasna-Bhayli Road, told media that he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes while out with friends for tea. Police confirmed he was not under the influence of alcohol and arrested him for rash driving that caused injuries.The area, a popular hangout spot near Dairy Den Circle, drew a large crowd after the incident. Residents expressed concern over repeated cases of rash driving in the city. “Rising incidents of rash driving have created a growing scare for commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. ‘It has become almost impossible to walk safely on city roads due to rash drivers. I have stopped riding my two-wheeler and now prefer a car to avoid accidents,’ said Shardul Patel, a local businessman.Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) DM Vyas urged citizens to drive responsibly. “Drivers must follow traffic rules for their safety. Two-wheeler riders should wear helmets, avoid wrong-side riding, and follow lanes. We are also focusing on instilling disciplined driving among auto-rickshaw drivers in busy areas,” he said.
