Kanpur: Police on Thursday arrested Shivam Mishra, son of tobacco businessman K.K. Mishra, in connection with the high-profile Lamborghini crash that injured several people in the city’s upscale Gwaltoli area earlier this week.
According to Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, Mishra was taken into custody from a hospital in Delhi, where he was reportedly undergoing treatment for a medical condition claimed by his family. He has since been brought to Kanpur and will be produced before a local court.
The arrest follows days of mounting scrutiny and public outrage over the February 8 crash involving a Lamborghini Revuelto, reportedly worth over ₹10 crore.
The February 8 Crash
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday when the luxury sports car allegedly sped through VIP Road in the Gwaltoli area, colliding with pedestrians and multiple vehicles. Several people were injured in the accident.
Mohd Taufeeq, an 18-year-old e-rickshaw driver injured in the crash, lodged a complaint with the police. However, defence counsel later indicated that the complainant was not keen to pursue legal proceedings further.
CCTV and Eyewitness Evidence
Police officials said preliminary investigations, backed by CCTV footage and eyewitness statements, suggest that the vehicle was being driven at high speed prior to the collision.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show private security personnel removing a man believed to be Shivam Mishra from the driver’s seat immediately after the crash and escorting him away in another vehicle.
Initially, the First Information Report (FIR) named an “unidentified driver.” However, investigators later amended the FIR to include Shivam Mishra after reviewing video footage and gathering witness testimonies. Details about FIR procedures can be accessed via the Uttar Pradesh Police official portal.
Failed Surrender Attempt
The case took another turn when a man named Mohan Lal approached a local court claiming he was driving the car at the time of the accident. He sought to surrender, asserting that Mishra was not behind the wheel.
The court rejected his plea, noting that his name did not appear in the FIR and that police had presented evidence indicating Mishra was driving the vehicle.
Family’s Defence and Technical Claims
Shivam Mishra’s father and legal representatives have denied that he was driving the Lamborghini. They maintain that a hired driver was operating the vehicle and that Mishra was unwell during the journey.
The family has also alleged that the car may have experienced a technical malfunction prior to the crash. Investigators are expected to examine these claims through forensic and mechanical evaluations as part of the ongoing probe.
Public Reaction and Investigation
The Kanpur Lamborghini crash has drawn widespread public attention, with many on social media questioning whether there was any delay or preferential treatment due to the accused’s influential background.
As the case proceeds, the court’s examination of evidence, medical records, and forensic findings will determine the next course of action.