Who was the hit-and-run accused mob attacked outside Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court, and what led to this violent incident? On Tuesday, Rohan Soni, accused in a fatal hit-and-run case, was attacked by a mob as he was being taken to court, highlighting the high public emotions surrounding road safety and justice in Ahmedabad.
What happened during the mob attack outside Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court?
On the morning of Tuesday, March 12, 2024, tension escalated outside the Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court located in Navrangpura when a crowd suddenly surrounded Rohan Soni. Soni, 28, was accused of causing a hit-and-run accident near the Jhansi ni Rani BRTS station in Nehrunagar that resulted in two fatalities. As police escorted him, several individuals from the local community attacked him physically, creating chaos. Police officers intervened promptly, evacuating Soni from the mob and taking him inside the courthouse to prevent serious injury.
What details are known about the hit-and-run incident?
The tragic event occurred early Monday morning, March 11, 2024, on the Nehrunagar Road near the BRTS corridor. Two men riding a scooter—Akram Altaf Qureshi, 22, and Ashfaq Jafar Ajmeri, 35, both residents of Jamalpur area in Ahmedabad—were struck by a speeding car. Both men died at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported the car was moving recklessly, sparking immediate outrage. The Ahmedabad Traffic Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act against Soni.
What is the status of the police investigation and court proceedings?
Following the incident, law enforcement authorities sought a five-day police custody remand for Soni from the court to conduct a thorough investigation. The Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court granted only two days’ custody, citing the need for speedy judicial process. Senior police official Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rakesh Patel stated, “We are investigating whether any accomplices were involved and are tracing the movements of the vehicle before the crash to gather evidence.”
Soni remains in police custody until March 14, 2024, after which he will be produced again before the court. The police are also examining CCTV footage from nearby traffic cameras and interviewing witnesses to establish a timeline and confirm Soni’s involvement conclusively.
What are the broader implications for road safety in Ahmedabad?
This incident underscores persistent road safety challenges in Ahmedabad, particularly reckless driving on busy corridors like the BRTS routes. According to Ahmedabad Traffic Police data, over 150 fatal road accidents occurred in the city in the past year, with a significant portion linked to speeding and negligence. Local residents and activists have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved pedestrian safety measures.
Communities in districts such as Jamalpur, Nehrunagar, and Navrangpura are demanding justice and swifter action in cases involving fatalities caused by careless driving. The incident has revived public debate on accountability and the adequacy of current legal frameworks to deter dangerous driving.
How have similar cases impacted public trust in the legal system?
Public outrage over fatal traffic accidents often leads to questions about judicial efficiency and police responsiveness. Cases like the Hit-and-Run Incident Involving Constable’s Son Shakes Ahmedabad and other high-profile traffic cases have shown mixed outcomes, sometimes resulting in prolonged investigations and delays. The community closely watches the current investigation and trial to see if justice is served promptly and transparently.
What should citizens do to stay informed and safe?
- Report any reckless driving or traffic violations immediately to Ahmedabad Traffic Police via helpline 100 or 079-2563-1234.
- Support community road safety initiatives organized by local NGOs and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
- Stay updated on legal proceedings through official court announcements and reputable news sources such as news.gujarat.in.
- Avoid participating in mob violence and rely on legal channels to seek justice.
- Adhere strictly to traffic rules to prevent accidents and promote safer roads.
Official resources for more information
For updates on the investigation, trial schedules, and road safety advisories, contact the Ahmedabad Traffic Police (Phone: 079-2563-1234) or visit the Gujarat Police official website at www.gujaratsamachar.com. For judicial proceedings, the Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court website provides case status and hearing dates.