Incident Overview
In a tragic incident that unfolded in Noida on December 30, 2025, two young men tragically lost their lives after being struck by an SUV while riding their motorcycle. Witnesses claim a confrontation at a local eatery escalated and led to this deadly road rage incident. The victims, identified as 23-year-old Basant Khasu and 27-year-old Rohan Mandal, were reportedly pursued by the SUV before the fatal collision.
Pushpendra, a close friend of the victims, was at the same party as Basant and Rohan before the incident occurred. He asserts that the events leading to the fatalities were not accidental but a violent act motivated by anger. According to him, the confrontation at the restaurant triggered a dangerous chase that culminated in the crash that ultimately killed his friends.
Details of the Encounter
Pushpendra noted that Basant and Rohan had stopped at a roadside eatery in Sector 30 for dinner after attending a party with friends. Reports indicate that the two had an altercation with another group of customers, following which Pushpendra began searching for them when they did not return. He recounted seeing the SUV speeding behind them just before the accident.
“I saw an SUV chase my friends. They were killed in a road rage incident, not an accident,” Pushpendra stated. He describes the SUV as lacking a number plate and mentioned that he attempted to follow it, but lost sight of it due to dense fog at the time.
The deadly encounter happened near the Army Public School in Noida, where both men were thrown from their motorcycle due to the force of the impact. Their motorcycle reportedly became entangled in the railings alongside the road, and both riders were found with severe injuries.
Context of the Incident
This incident highlights increasing concerns surrounding road rage in urban areas, where disputes can quickly escalate into dangerous confrontations. The families of the victims are demanding justice, stating that their lives were cut short due to reckless driving linked to a personal altercation.
Basant was a student studying hotel management, while Rohan was a contract worker in the fire department. They both lived in the Nithari area of Noida. The friendship between Basant and Rohan reflects the everyday lives and social activities of young adults in urban India, underscoring the tragic nature of their untimely deaths.
Family Statements and Reactions
Basant’s mother, Sonam, expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her son, revealing that she was unaware of any issues before the incident. “Basant had called me at 11:18 PM to say he was on his way home. Everything seemed fine then,” she said. It was later, around 11:30 PM, when their family received alarming updates about the argument and subsequent events.
“They hit both the kids badly. We need justice. My son had so many plans for his life. All his dreams have gone with him,” Sonam added. This sentiment resonates deeply with families who’ve suffered from the effects of road rage and carelessness.
Basant’s father, Hari, who rushed from Kenya upon hearing the news, echoed the family’s quest for justice. He described his son as a promising chef in the making. “We don’t know how we will live without him. The police have not found the culprits even after 48 hours,” he stated, expressing frustration over the investigation’s progress.
Investigation Efforts
In response to the outcry from the victims’ families and the public, police authorities in Noida have initiated an extensive investigation. They have formed five dedicated teams to locate the SUV involved in the incident. Police spokespersons noted that they are reviewing local CCTV footage, hoping to find critical evidence that could lead to the perpetrators.
However, one of the major challenges investigators face is the absence of a vehicle registration number. A senior police official stated, “The issue we are facing is that the SUV did not have a number plate. But our teams are working, and we will get a breakthrough.”
Autopsy Findings and Legal Actions
The autopsy performed on Rohan indicated ante-mortem head injuries, confirming that he suffered severe trauma before death. Meanwhile, Basant’s family opted for no autopsy, believing it unnecessary given the circumstances.
In light of these findings, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections pertaining to rash driving and negligent acts leading to death. Officials have stressed the importance of justice in such cases, trying to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Dheeraj, Basant’s brother, voiced a chilling suspicion regarding the incident, remarking, “I believe the men in the SUV were the same people with whom my brother and his friend had an altercation. It’s a clear case of murder.” His statement reflects a growing sentiment that road rage incidents require stricter measures to deter aggressive and reckless driving.
Public Safety Concerns
This incident raises broader concerns about public safety on urban roads, where instances of road rage are increasingly reported. Experts argue that educational efforts about road safety, alongside stricter enforcement of traffic laws, are crucial in preventing such tragic outcomes.
As communities grapple with the ramifications of road rage and aggressive driving behaviors, the Noida case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of violent interactions on the road. Policymakers may consider revisiting measures aimed at addressing these issues, ensuring that roads are safe for all users.
Next Steps and Community Measures
Moving forward, the Noida police are focusing their efforts on finding the SUV and bringing those responsible for the incident to justice. Community meetings have been established to address issues related to road safety and methods to prevent road rage escalations, encouraging positive interactions among drivers.
Family members of the victims are also likely to advocate for more rigorous legislative action on road safety, striving to create a safer environment for all citizens. Their ongoing involvement is crucial in the effort to generate change and foster public awareness about the repercussions of aggressive driving.
Community’s Role in Prevention
Road safety is a shared responsibility, demanding active engagement from drivers, policymakers, and community members alike. By promoting positive behaviors behind the wheel and advocating for accountability, communities can work together to mitigate the risks associated with road rage.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful for justice while simultaneously addressing the rising tide of road-related violence. The tragic deaths of Basant and Rohan should not be in vain; efforts must be made to honor their memory by fostering a culture of accountability and respect on public roads.