New Delhi: The Mahindra Thar that killed a 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal in North Goa’s Assagao on Monday was driven by Shaurya Goyal, a 19-year-old BBA student from southwest Delhi, police confirmed on Wednesday. Goyal was arrested and later released on bail. According to police, FIR has been registered against Goyal under sections related to causing death by negligence and rash driving. His medical examination ruled out alcohol consumption at the time of the accident.
What Happened at the Junction
The crash occurred around 5.50 pm near Happy Bar junction in Assagao on Monday, when Goyal was driving the rented Thar from Mapusa towards Anjuna. He allegedly lost control of the vehicle at the junction and rammed into a Hyundai i20 coming from the opposite direction.
The i20 was being driven by Bhagat Ram Sharma, who was travelling with his family including his wife, a three-month-old infant and four others. Sharma was rushed to the District Hospital in Mapusa, where he was declared brought dead. His wife, 59-year-old Leela Sharma, suffered a leg fracture and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mapusa. The infant sustained minor injuries.
Also Read: Goa Thar Accident: Delhi Teen Arrested After SUV Kills Bhopal Tourist – Did He Attempt To Shield A Woman?
‘Driver Switch’ Theory Denied
Several eyewitnesses had claimed that a young woman, not Goyal, was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Police have denied this claim, saying CCTV footage clearly shows Goyal driving the Thar.
“During the investigation, nobody told us that a young girl was driving the Thar at the time of the accident. If anyone saw a girl driving instead of a boy, they can approach Anjuna police and provide the information,” PI Gawas said.
Goyal was holidaying in Goa with four girl students. Both Goyal’s group and Sharma’s family had arrived in Goa on February 21.
Who is Shaurya Goyal
Back in his neighbourhood in Hauz Khas, south Delhi, neighbours described Goyal as a quiet and studious teenager who largely kept to himself. He was in his second year of a BBA programme at a private university near Delhi and would return home on weekends. He is the eldest of two siblings and comes from a family involved in the jewellery business.
A childhood friend who lives next door said the online allegations of a driver switch were false.
“We studied in the same school and grew up together. We’ve all been part of the same friend group for years. He has always been serious about his studies and spends most of his time focused on college. The girls who were with him in Goa are all our friends. A lot of things being said online — especially about him switching seats with one of the girls, are not true. He is extremely disturbed by what has happened,” the friend said, as Times of India quoted.
Another neighbour recalled seeing Goyal drive occasionally in the locality but said he mostly used cabs to commute.
Further Investigation in Underway
