LUCKNOW: Prayagraj police on Tuesday arrested Rachit Madhyan, the man accused of mowing down six people with his high-end Jaguar car in Prayagraj on Sunday evening.He was taken into custody from a private hospital in Lucknow, where he had been admitted since the accident, the police said.Officials said he will be brought to Prayagraj and produced before a court for police remand.Initially booked for rash and negligent driving, Rachit now faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder following the death of one victim.SHO Dhoomanganj, Amar Nath Rai, confirmed TOI that accused, Rachit was arrested and happens to be the son of a prominent businessman and son-in-law of renowned doctor Dr MK Madnani, had allegedly driven his luxury car at over 100 km/h, ramming into multiple vehicles and pedestrians.
The crash: Six hit, one killed
The incident occurred around 3:45 pm on Sunday near Rajrooppur, about 20 minutes after Rachit left a cricket match between Elgin Club Allahabad and Chandrakala Universal Pvt. Ltd., where he was the team captain. Witnesses said his speeding Jaguar first hit two cars, two motorcycles, and a scooty before careening into pedestrians.The crash killed Pradeep Patel, an electrician, on the spot and injured five others, including a 10-year-old boy. One of the victims, Umesh, was among those rushed to hospital with severe injuries.
Witnesses: ‘Car was racing at over 100 km/h’
Eyewitness Ramanand Agrahari told police the Jaguar appeared to be moving “at over 100 km/h” when it lost control. “It first hit a snack cart at the intersection, injuring the vendor and his son. Then it ploughed into people walking on the road,” he said.Despite the chaos, Rachit did not flee. Instead, he locked himself inside the car until police arrived. Officers had to break into the vehicle to extract him before sending him to hospital in an ambulance. He was first taken to Colvin Hospital, then to SRN Hospital, and finally referred to a private hospital in Lucknow for further treatment.
Police deployment at hospital
Additional CP (Law & Order) Ajay Pal Sharma confirmed that Rachit was identified as the main accused during the preliminary investigation. “A team had been stationed in Lucknow since his referral there. He was formally taken into custody today. Doctors have said he will be discharged soon, after which he will be brought to Prayagraj,” Sharma said.Until his discharge, three constables will remain posted at the hospital to ensure he does not attempt to evade custody.
From law graduate to accused
Rachit, who has completed an LLB degree, claims to be an advocate but is also deeply involved in his family’s business ventures. He serves as a director at a sweets and namkeen company, a multi-crore enterprise registered in Lukerganj, Prayagraj, alongside his father Vasudev Madhyan, uncle Inder Madhyan, and associate Prakash Bihari Lal Dalwani.He is also a director in Madhyan Infratech Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Pune, where his wife Dr. Amrita Madnani, a dermatologist, is co-director.
High-profile background
Rachit’s family connections have drawn significant attention to the case. His father-in-law, Dr. M.K. Madnani, is one of Prayagraj’s most reputed hospital directors, while his wife runs her own dermatology clinic in the city.
Police to seek custody
Police officials said that once Rachit is declared fit for discharge, he will be taken to Prayagraj under escort and produced in court. Investigators are likely to seek police remand to question him about the events leading up to the accident, including whether he was under the influence of alcohol or using a mobile phone while driving.The case has sparked outrage in Prayagraj, with residents demanding strict action and questioning how such reckless driving could occur in a densely populated area.Police have assured that “no influence or status will affect the investigation” and that justice will be ensured for the victims.
