“Papa main gaadi chala raha tha, crash ho gaya”: Thar collision in Goa leaves 65-year-old tourist dead

A 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal lost his life in a road accident in North Goa after a rented Mahindra Thar SUV crashed into the rear of his family’s vehicle. The incident occurred on Monday at the busy Happy Bar junction in Assagao, police officials confirmed.

The deceased has been identified as Bhagatram Sharma. He was travelling with his family in a Hyundai i20 hatchback when the Thar allegedly rammed into their car from behind.

Victim Died at the Spot, Family Members Injured

Sharma sustained severe injuries in the collision and was declared dead at the scene. Two other family members who were inside the hatchback suffered minor injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors have stated that their condition remains stable.


A five-month-old baby who was also present in the car escaped unharmed. However, as a precautionary measure, the infant has been kept under medical observation.

Allegations of Seat Switching After Crash

Police confirmed that the Mahindra Thar involved in the accident was a rented vehicle. Soon after the collision, eyewitnesses alleged that the occupants of the SUV attempted to switch seats.

A video of the incident that has gone viral on social media shows a young man, believed to have been driving the Thar, speaking on the phone. He can be heard saying, “Papa main gaadi chala raha tha… chauraha pe doosri gaadi aa rahi thi. Papa, Papa, suddenly ho gaya crash."

In the same video, three women are seen seated in the back of the damaged SUV.

Locals Raise Questions at Accident Spot

The situation at the site reportedly turned tense as local residents accused the Thar’s occupants of trying to shield the driver from being held accountable. Some eyewitnesses claimed that a woman was driving the SUV at the time of the accident. They alleged that immediately after the crash, she shifted to the passenger seat, while a male member of the group moved into the driver’s seat.

Police Investigation Underway

Authorities have seized the rented Thar and registered a case of rash and negligent driving causing death. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the junction to determine who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.