‘Papa, main chaurahe par tha’: Bhopal man dies after speeding Thar rams car in Goa; locals allege seat swap to shield accused

MAPUSA: A 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal was killed in a road accident at the Happy Bar junction in Assagao on Monday after a speeding SUV allegedly rammed into his car from behind.

The deceased, Bhagat Ram Sharma, was travelling with family members in a Hyundai i20 when the collision occurred. Police said the impact was severe, and Sharma was pronounced dead at the scene.





Two other occupants of the hatchback sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. Their condition is reported to be stable. A five-month-old infant who was also in the vehicle escaped unharmed and has been kept under medical observation as a precaution.

Eyewitnesses alleged that occupants of the SUV, a rented Mahindra Thar attempted to switch seats immediately after the crash.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly show a male occupant of the Thar speaking on the phone, with the words, “Papa, I was at the intersection…” audible. The footage also shows visible damage to both vehicles, with one side of the hatchback completely crushed.

In the same video, three women can be seen sitting in the back seat of the SUV.

The incident triggered tension at the spot, with some locals accusing the Thar’s occupants of attempting to shield the actual driver. Police said these claims are being verified.

Authorities have seized the rented SUV and registered a case of rash and negligent driving causing death. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the junction, along with forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts and video clips, to determine who was driving at the time of the collision.