Kanpur Lamborghini Crash: Mounting Pressure and Unanswered Questions

New Delhi, February 10, 2026: The high-profile Lamborghini crash on Kanpur’s VIP Road has transformed from a tragic road accident into a legal and social firestorm. As of February 10, 2026, the investigation into Shivam Mishra, son of prominent tobacco tycoon K.K. Mishra, is facing intense public scrutiny amid allegations of elite impunity and conflicting narratives regarding who was actually behind the wheel.

The Incident: A Sunday Afternoon of Chaos

On Sunday, February 8, a Lamborghini Revuelto, valued at approximately ₹10 crore, reportedly lost control near Jhula Park Crossing in the upscale Gwaltoli area. According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the vehicle first struck an auto-rickshaw before ramming into a parked Royal Enfield motorcycle with such force that the rider was flung nearly 10 feet into the air.

The luxury sports car then ploughed into pedestrians, leaving at least six people injured. One victim, identified as Taufiq Ahmed, sustained serious leg and ankle injuries.

“The impact was terrifying. The car didn’t just hit the bike; it climbed onto the front wheel and dragged it before finally stopping against an electric pole,” an eyewitness told reporters.

Relentless Questions: The Driver Dilemma

The most contentious aspect of the case is the identity of the driver. Initially, the Kanpur Police registered an FIR against an “unidentified person,” a move that triggered immediate backlash on social media.

• The Police Stance: Commissioner of Police Raghubir Lal stated that CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts clearly show Shivam Mishra being pulled from the driver’s seat by bouncers following the crash.
• The Defense Claim: Mishra’s counsel, Advocate Mrityunjay Kumar, has countered this, claiming that a designated family driver named Mohan was operating the vehicle.
• The Medical Angle: In a separate narrative, family members have suggested that Shivam may have suffered a medical episode—specifically a seizure—behind the wheel, leading to the loss of control.

Despite these claims, the police have since updated the FIR to name Shivam Mishra as the primary accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including reckless driving and endangering life.

Mounting Pressure: Accountability Under the Lens

The perceived delay in naming Mishra and the lack of an immediate arrest have fueled a public outcry. Critics point to the heavy presence of private bouncers at the scene—who reportedly whisked Mishra away in a secondary vehicle—as evidence of a “VIP culture” that prioritizes the safety of the wealthy over the victims.

Key Developments in the Investigation:

• Police Discipline: SHO Santosh Gaur was removed from his post and sent to the police lines for alleged negligence in following due procedure immediately after the accident.
• Seizure & Forensics: The Lamborghini has been impounded at the Gwaltoli police station. Forensic experts are expected to analyze the vehicle’s data loggers to determine its speed at the time of impact.
• Political Response: UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has weighed in, vowing that “the law is equal for everyone” and promising strict action if the accident was found to be a result of intentional negligence.

What’s Next for the Investigation?

The Kanpur Police are now moving to conduct a formal medical examination of Shivam Mishra to verify the seizure claims. Authorities are also investigating the RTO records to see how a license was maintained if there was a history of medical unfitness.

As the city watches closely, the case has become a litmus test for the local justice system. Whether the investigation will resist external pressures and deliver a transparent verdict remains the “relentless question” at the heart of Kanpur’s latest tragedy.