A speeding Jaguar reportedly rammed into a crowded Diwali market in the Rajrupur area of Prayagraj on Sunday afternoon, killing one person and injuring eight others.
The car, allegedly driven by Rachit Madhyan, son of a prominent business family, crashed into a Diwali shopping crowd on October 19, 2025. One person, electrician Pradeep Kumar Patel, died instantly, and eight others, including children, were seriously injured.
According to Prayagraj’s DCP (city), Manish Kumar Shandilya, the driver was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the accident, which led to him losing control of the vehicle.
The driver suffered serious injuries himself due to the crash, with reports that the car’s airbags failed to deploy. The driver was hospitalised after police forcibly extracted him from the locked car amid public outrage and protests.
Chaos in Prayagraj Diwali Market
The accident reportedly occurred during heavy festive shopping with stalls selling sweets, flowers, and decorative items lined along the street. Witnesses described the Jaguar moving at an estimated 100 km/h before crashing into roadside vehicles and the gathering crowd near Rajrooppur Labour Crossing.
Victims were rushed to hospitals, including Swaroop Rani Nehru Trauma Centre and local private facilities. Furious residents vandalised the Jaguar and blocked traffic, demanding justice. Police intervened to calm tensions and assured strict action against the driver.
Profile of Rachit Madhyan
Rachit Madhyan belongs to the Kamdhenu Sweets family and lives in Lukarganj, Prayagraj. Confirming the intoxication and reckless driving, DCP Manish Kumar Shandilya stated that the driver lost control after hitting four-wheelers and two-wheelers parked in the busy market area.
The car’s airbags failed to deploy, worsening the damage. An FIR has been registered at the Dhoomanganj police station, with the driver’s name expected soon after further investigation, including analysis of CCTV footage. The family of the deceased has refused a postmortem, grieving the sudden loss.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy underscores the lethal consequences of drunk and reckless driving, especially in crowded public spaces during festive seasons. Road safety must be a communal priority, enforced through strong traffic laws and societal awareness. Communities and authorities alike must foster responsible behaviour to protect innocent lives.
