Test 7 hours after Maharashtra BJP chief son’s car crash shows driver’s blood alcohol at just under limit

NAGPUR: Three days after the midnight mayhem in the heart of Nagpur involving the high-end car of BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s son, Sanket, the forensic report nailed his two friends, Arjun Haore and Ronit Chintamwar, for drunk driving that triggered a hit-and-run. The Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) report confirmed alcohol content in their blood samples, which were collected over 7 hours after the accident.

While Haore, who drove Sanket’s AudiQ8, had 28mg alcohol in 100ml of his blood sample, Chintamwar had 25mg/100ml, said police, who received the FSL report on Thursday. Sanket, who too was in the car, has been spared the blood alcohol test.

Shortly after the accident, Mayo Hospital doctors had said that a preliminary examination suggested the duo was under the influence of alcohol.

Read more: Maharashtra BJP chief son’s Audi runs amok in Nagpur, triggers pile-up, 2 hurt

A forensic science expert told TOI that alcohol content in Haore and Chintamwar’s blood could have been four times higher, if their samples were collected immediately after consumption. “After seven hours, the alcohol levels in blood are bound to dip. The accident took place within 30 minutes of liquor intake at the Dharampeth bar and restaurant. So, going by the forensic analysis, their liquor consumption was high at the time of accident,” said the expert.

After the Sitabuldi police station received the forensic report, cops failed to take a decision on Sanket’s culpability till late Thursday.

Sources confirmed to TOI that the forensic report has left the police team scrambling to find the right section under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or Motor Vehicle Act to book the top politician’s son. “We are consulting our legal team before adding an accused in the case,” said a senior official.

Sources stated police have checked footage of 160 CCTV cameras so far, which included seven areas where Sanket was spotted popping out of the AudiQ8’s sunroof and screaming in excitement, before settling down in the car seat. A probe revealed that Sanket and friends had left the bar and restaurant with four liquor bottles, which were later not found in the car.

Sanket may be booked if driver fails alcohol test

Nagpur police are considering naming Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, as a co-accused in the Audi Q8 hit-and-run case. Authorities await forensic test results on alcohol content in blood samples of Sanket's friends before proceeding. Sanket is accused of handing over his car keys to an intoxicated friend who was driving.

Nagpur Audi crash: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket may be booked if alcohol shows up in drivers FSL report

Nagpur police might list BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son, Sanket, as a co-accused in the AudiQ8 hit-and-run incident. This development depends on forensic results for alcohol levels in his friends' blood samples. Sanket permitted his drunk friend to drive, causing an accident and sparking significant public and political pressure.

Nagpur Audi crash: Maharashtra BJP chief's son Sanket has admitted he was in the car, says DCP

Nagpur DCP Rahul Madane revealed that Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, admitted to being present during a car accident on September 9. The driver was arrested for rash driving but later granted bail. Medical samples from the occupants have been sent for analysis.

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