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VADODARA, January 27, 2026 – A late-night collision involving a former Indian cricketer has sent shockwaves through the Baroda cricket community and created a political firestorm just weeks before the high-stakes Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections.
Jacob Martin, a veteran batsman who played 10 ODIs for India, was arrested by Akota police in the early hours of Tuesday after his luxury MG Hector SUV rammed into three parked vehicles. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 AM near Punit Nagar Society, left behind a trail of significant damage to a Kia Seltos, a Hyundai Venue, and a Maruti Celerio.
While no injuries were reported, the circumstances of the crash have sparked public outrage. Officers arriving at the scene described the 53-year-old former Ranji captain as “visibly inebriated” and “unable to walk.” Breathalyzer tests confirmed Martin was driving well over the legal limit, a particularly serious offense in the dry state of Gujarat.
Legal & Political Fallout
Martin now faces a battery of charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act, including:
- Section 281 & 324(5) (BNS): Rash and negligent driving and endangering safety.
- Gujarat Prohibition Act: Violation of state alcohol laws.
Though granted bail later on Tuesday, the arrest has immediate implications for the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group. The alliance, led by royal scion Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Dr. Darshan Banker, has positioned itself as a champion of transparency and “truth” in its bid to unseat the incumbent Revival Group on February 15. Martin has been a prominent face of this alliance, lending his sporting legacy to their reformist platform.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not Martin’s first brush with the law, a fact that critics say highlights a troubling pattern:
- 2011: Arrested by Delhi Police in connection with an illegal human trafficking racket involving a bogus cricket team.
- 2018: Involved in a near-fatal road accident that required extensive financial support from the BCCI and the cricketing fraternity for his life support.
- Previous: Multiple documented violations of Gujarat’s prohibition laws.
Credibility at Stake
As the BCA elections approach, the contrast between the group’s “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) motto and the actions of one of its chief supporters is drawing heavy scrutiny. Opponents are already questioning whether the alliance can deliver on its promises of “accountability” when its own backers are found flouting the law.
For the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group, the choice is now urgent: disavow a fallen hero to protect their electoral credibility, or face the fallout of an association that directly contradicts their campaign of integrity.
