The Kolkata Police on Tuesday charged actor Vikram Chatterjee with culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code in connection with the car crash that killed his co-passenger, popular model and TV prime time anchor Sonika Chauhan on April 29.
Sonika’s death raised a storm in Bengal’s film and fashion industry with her friends demanding strong action against Vikram who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Since Section 304 is a non-bailable section, the police will apply for rejection of Vikram’s bail when he appears before the Alipore court on June 7.
Sonika was declared dead on arrival at a private hospital while Vikram was injured after the luxury sedan which he was driving at high speed, jumped the pavement on Rash Behari Avenue in south Kolkata. They had been partying at several popular night spots. The incident took place at around 4 am.
Read more: Model Sonika Chauhan killed in car accident, actor Vikram Chatterjee injured
Vikram was admitted at a private hospital on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass for about a week. As a result, his blood was not tested for alcohol content immediately after the accident as required by law.
{{/usCountry}}Vikram was admitted at a private hospital on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass for about a week. As a result, his blood was not tested for alcohol content immediately after the accident as required by law.
{{/usCountry}}After the police officially asked Vikram to report to Tollygunge police station and give his statement, the actor surrendered before the Alipore Court and pleaded for bail on May 5. The bail was granted.
Vikram’s last film ‘Khoj’ was screened at some festivals. He has also acted in ‘Elar Char Adhyay’ and ‘Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends’.