New Delhi:
Bengali actor Vikram Chatterjee has finally broken his silence about the fatal accident that killed model Sonika Chauhan and stated that he was neither drunk nor speeding at the time of the incident. He also asserted that Sonika has been a special person of his life and that it isn't an easy time for him as well.
Chatterjee further stated that even he is disturbed by the incident and is trying to collect all his courage to face Sonika's parents as he wants to be by their side now.
""I am not saying this to gain sympathy at this point but I really wish I was in Sonika's place today. I would have had much peace. After all, I was behind the wheels that night. I'm sure many understand the pain you feel when you lose a friend — a part of your life, a special person. To see that person bleeding from all over. People are saying all sorts of things outside. They are saying that I readmitted myself purposely. Truth is, I wasn't in a position to analyse my health condition. It was only after my closed ones told me I need to get readmitted that I did. Sonika was an integral part of my life — a special person. I don't know how I will face her parents but I know that I have to. But I was neither drunk, nor speeding. What really transpired that night is something I will share with the police given that the case is sub judice. People are also saying that the car was zooming at 120 km/hr and that I was intoxicated. None of these are true," Vikram told a leading daily.
Also Read | Sonika Chauhan death case: Bengali actor Vikram Chatterjee surrenders to police, granted bail
The actor also asserted that he wanted to speak about the incident, however, was suggested to stay silent by doctors as he was under severe stress and trauma.
Since the day I felt aware of what had happened, I have been wanting to speak. First the doctors said, I can't speak because I'm under severe stress and trauma. Truth is, I wanted to speak. Yesterday when I was released, my parents didn't let me speak because they too think I'm in trauma. But I need to address the media and record my statement with the police. I wish I could have let Sonika's parents know about her death sooner. I had two numbers memorized — one that of my dad and one that of my closest friend. Nothing will bring Sonika back but I want to be by her family's side today," Vikram told a leading daily.
Vikram's statement came after he was accused of over-speeding and intoxication at the time of the accident as he was driving the car. He was summoned by the police to appear for questioning after Sonika's family filed a complaint against him alleging that Chatterjee was under the influence of alcohol which eventually led to the fatal accident.
Also Read | Sonika Chauhan death: Bengali actor Bikram Chatterjee is OUT OF DANGER
He was booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 304A (causing death due to negligence) and 279 (rash or negligent driving) by Kolkata Police, but was later granted bail against a personal bond of Rs 1,000
Vikram also spoke about his onscreen comeback and said that he hopes to return to work as soon as possible.
"I have two roads ahead of me. One that leads to me sitting back and home and another that leads to getting back at work so 100 other families who work on a TV set don't have to suffer because of me. I don't know how soon I'll return to work but I want to, the soonest," he added.
Vikram and Sonika's accident took place in the wee hours of April 29. Reportedly, Vikram, who was behind the wheel, lost the balance of the car and rammed it into a shop on the pavement. While Vikram suffered serious injuries, Sonika died on the spot.
