Drunk Driving Case: Ex-India Cricketer Jacob Martin Booked in Vadodara

Vadodara | Gujarat — In a shocking late-night incident that has reignited debate over celebrity accountability, former Indian cricketer Jacob Joseph Martin was booked by Akota police after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing his luxury SUV into three parked cars in Vadodara during the early hours of January 26. The incident occurred around 2.30 am in the Akota area, sending ripples through cricketing and civic circles alike.

According to police officials, Martin was returning home to Shalin Flats in Gotri from Punitnagar Society when he lost control of his MG Hector due to intoxication. The vehicle rammed into three parked cars—a Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Celerio—causing extensive damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the accident narrowly missed pedestrians in the residential locality.

“As soon as we reached the spot, it was evident that the driver was heavily intoxicated. He was staggering, his eyes were red, and there was a strong smell of alcohol,” an Akota police officer said. “Separate cases for drunk driving and rash driving have been registered, and further investigation is underway.”

Police have booked Martin under Sections 281 and 324(5) of the Indian Penal Code, Sections 177, 184 and 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and Section 66(1)B of the Gujarat Prohibition Act. The MG Hector, valued at approximately ₹20 lakh, has been seized. Officials also noted that the vehicle had black film on its windows, a violation of traffic norms.

This is not the first time Jacob Martin has found himself at the centre of controversy. In the past, he was among six people arrested during a liquor party held on the rooftop of his residence near Gotri Mothers School. At the time, Martin told police that the gathering was organised to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. “We found liquor bottles, beer cans, a hookah and other items at the spot,” a police source recalled.

Martin’s name has also surfaced earlier in a pigeon racing case and an alleged illegal immigration episode dating back to 2004, when a non-cricketer reportedly stayed back in the UK after a Vadodara youth team tour. The matter had drawn the attention of Delhi Police and Scotland Yard.

Ironically, Martin himself once received widespread support from the cricketing fraternity when he was battling for life following a serious accident. The BCCI had extended financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for his treatment, while the Baroda Cricket Association contributed ₹3 lakh.

Jacob Martin, a former Baroda all-rounder, represented India in 10 One-Day Internationals during the 1990s and played over 100 first-class matches. After retirement, he also served as a coach for the Baroda team.

Police officials stressed that the law would take its course. “No one is above the law—celebrity or otherwise,” an officer said, underlining the seriousness of drunk driving offences in Gujarat.