Goa Thar Crash Kills Bhopal Tourist, Locals Allege Seat Switch

February 25, 2026

Assagao, Goa: A 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal was killed on 24 February 2026 when a rented Mahindra Thar SUV allegedly rammed into the rear of his Hyundai i20 at the busy Happy Bar Junction in North Goa’s Assagao, police said. The victim, identified as Bhagatram Sharma, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact.

Two other occupants of the hatchback suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital, while a five-month-old infant in the vehicle escaped unharmed. The collision left the front portion of Sharma’s i20 badly crushed, prompting shock among onlookers and local residents.

Eyewitnesses Allege Seat Switch to Shield Driver

Eyewitnesses and locals at the scene made serious claims that occupants of the Thar tried to switch seats immediately after the collision, allegedly in an attempt to shield the actual driver reportedly a young woman from responsibility.

In viral footage circulating online, a male occupant of the Thar can be seen talking on the phone, saying, “Papa, I was at the intersection…” before the audio becomes unclear, while three women are visible in the rear seats of the damaged SUV. Some locals confronted the Thar occupants when they appeared to attempt to drive off the scene, questioning where they were going and urging restraint.

Tensions flared as residents expressed outrage over the perceived attempt to mislead investigators and handle accountability for the incident.

FIR Registered, Vehicle Seized

Following the accident, Goa Police seized the rented Thar SUV (registration GA-03-V-5695) and registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections related to rash and negligent driving causing death, officials said. The accused named in the FIR is 19-year-old Shaurya Goyal, a youth from Hauz Khas, Delhi, who was allegedly driving the Thar.

Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with officers examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and eyewitness statements to determine the exact sequence of events and identify who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Authorities are also probing the seat-switch claims as part of the broader inquiry into whether there was any attempt to misrepresent the driver’s identity.

Locals Demand Thorough Probe

The tragic collision sparked concerns among residents and bystanders who gathered at the scene. Many locals insisted that the Thar was speeding at the time of the collision, contributing to the fatal impact. They urged police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation not only into the cause of the crash but also into the allegations surrounding the post-accident behaviour of the SUV’s occupants.

The alleged seat-switch claim has ignited public discussion, with some observers cautioned that such actions if proven true may indicate an attempt to evade legal consequences for negligent behaviour on the road.

Police Statements and Next Steps

Police have stated that they are reviewing multiple pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage from the junction and video recordings shared by eyewitnesses. If confirmed, the driver’s identity and actions immediately after the crash will form a critical part of the case.

“We are investigating all angles, including the allegations of a seat switch and the manner in which the vehicle was driven prior to the collision,” said a senior police official, who added that further charges could be added if warranted by the evidence.

Authorities highlighted that the vehicle remains in police custody as they work to reconstruct the incident and ensure accountability.

Broader Road Safety Concerns

The case has focused attention on road safety and irresponsible driving in tourist hotspots, where speeding and negligent vehicle operation can have deadly consequences. Residents and road safety advocates emphasise the need for better enforcement of traffic rules and prompt emergency response to prevent such tragedies.