In a tragic development reported in the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026, Prerna Bachchan, the daughter of senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bala Bachchan, was killed in a severe road accident. The crash also claimed the lives of two other young individuals, sending shockwaves through the state.
Preliminary reports suggest the accident occurred on the Tejaji Nagar bypass near the Ralamandal area in Indore when their car collided with a truck.
The Accident: What We Know So Far
The incident took place around 5:15 AM on Friday morning. According to Indore Police, the victims were traveling in a Tata Nexon car. They were reportedly returning to Indore after celebrating a birthday in the nearby town of Mhow.
- The Collision: The speeding car lost control and crashed into the rear of a truck parked or moving on the bypass. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the car was completely crushed.
- Casualties: Three people died on the spot.
- Prerna Bachchan: Daughter of MLA Bala Bachchan. She was reportedly preparing for civil services examinations.
- Prakhar Kasliwal: Son of Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Anand Kasliwal.
- Man Sandhu: A local transporter.
- Survivor: A fourth passenger, identified as Anushka Rathi, sustained critical injuries and is currently fighting for her life in a private hospital in Indore.
Police Investigation and Cause
The Tejaji Nagar Police Station in-charge, Devendra Markam, confirmed that the truck driver has been taken into custody for questioning. While the exact cause is still under investigation, initial police statements cited in reports indicate that speeding or loss of control due to the early morning hours might be factors. Some reports also suggest police are investigating if the driver was under the influence, as the group was returning from a celebration, but this remains a subject of official probe.
Who is Bala Bachchan?
For those following Madhya Pradesh politics, Bala Bachchan is a prominent tribal leader and a key figure in the Indian National Congress.
- Current Role: He is the sitting MLA from the Rajpur (ST) constituency in the Barwani district.
- Past Roles: He served as the Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh during the Kamal Nath-led Congress government (2018–2020). He has also held the Health portfolio in previous terms.
- Political Stature: Known for his influence in the Nimar region, he has been elected to the legislative assembly multiple times (1993, 1998, 2013, 2018, 2023).
Political Leaders Express Grief
The sudden demise of the young family members of two senior Congress leaders (Bala Bachchan and Anand Kasliwal) has triggered an outpouring of grief across party lines.
- Kamal Nath (Former CM): Described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and expressed deep condolences to his colleague Bala Bachchan. He stated, “The sudden departure of the daughter is an irreparable loss for the family.”
- Umang Singhar (Leader of Opposition): Condoled the death, praying for strength for the bereaved families to bear this unbearable sorrow.
- BJP Leaders: Senior leaders from the ruling BJP government in Madhya Pradesh have also extended their sympathies to the Bachchan and Kasliwal families.
Impact and What’s Next
The mortal remains of the deceased have been sent to MY Hospital in Indore for post-mortem. It is expected that the final rites for Prerna Bachchan will be held in her native village in the Barwani district later today or tomorrow. Large crowds of supporters and party workers are expected to gather to pay their last respects.
This tragedy highlights the perennial issue of road safety on highway bypasses, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and speed often play fatal roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was Prerna Bachchan?
Prerna Bachchan was the daughter of Bala Bachchan, a senior Congress leader and former Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh. She was a civil services aspirant.
Q2. When and where did the accident happen?
The accident occurred in the early hours (around 5:15 AM) of Friday, January 9, 2026, on the Tejaji Nagar bypass near Ralamandal, Indore.
Q3. Who else died in the accident?
Along with Prerna, two others died: Prakhar Kasliwal (son of Congress spokesperson Anand Kasliwal) and Man Sandhu. One girl, Anushka Rathi, is injured.
Q4. What is Bala Bachchan’s current political post?
Bala Bachchan is currently the sitting MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from the Rajpur constituency in Madhya Pradesh.
Q5. How did the accident happen?
The Tata Nexon car the victims were traveling in collided with a truck. Police are investigating speeding and other potential causes.