Devastated mum of Daylesford victim Pratibha Sharma reveals final conversation with daughter

Detectives have interviewed the BMW driver who ploughed into a Daylesford pub, while the shattered relatives of the victims recount the horror moment they found out the news.

The driver of the BMW involved in the Daylesford pub crash tragedy has been interviewed by police.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Victoria Police said detectives interviewed the 66-year-old Mount Macedon man in hospital.

“At this time the driver has not been charged, with inquiries to continue after his eventual release from care,” the statement said.

It comes as Vikas Sharma thought his calls to sister Pratibha on Sunday evening went unanswered because she, her 9-year-old daughter Anvi and partner Jatin Chugh were soaking up Daylesford’s evening sun.

But back in Point Cook, the 47-year-old was completely unaware of the carnage that had unfolded in the beer garden of The Royal Daylesford Hotel when a BMW ploughed through the bustling outdoor area, killing five friends and injuring many more.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald Sun, Mr Sharma said word of the fatal crash had not yet reached Ms Sharma’s family until the following day, when they received a call from police and rushed back to the family’s home.

Pratibha Sharma's father Dilver Sharma, mother Urmila Sharma and brother Vikas Sharma are struggling to comprehend their tragic loss. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Through tears, Mr Sharma said he spoke to his sister over the phone at midday on Sunday, when she invited Mr Sharma to spend the day with them in Daylesford.

“She said they were staying in a beautiful house all together,” he said.

The last time anyone had heard from Ms Sharma was less than two hours before the tragedy, about 4.30pm, when her mother, Urmila, 73, briefly chatted with her about plans for Monday.

Ms Sharma said: “She said: tomorrow I will come (home) early”.

After that phone call, the family’s phones went unanswered.

Letters written by Pratibha’s daughter, Anvi, were on display throughout the family’s Point Cook house. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mr Sharma said they tried to call Ms Sharma later that night but there was “no reply”.

“ … We thought it was okay and there was no need to disturb them because they were enjoying themselves,” he said.

Mr Sharma struggled to speak of the devastating loss that wiped out his sister’s entire family.

“Why? Why? I don’t understand,” he said.

“Her whole life she struggled, worked hard.

“Her beautiful daughter, also dead.”

Nine-year-old Anvi has been remembered as a sweet girl who, like her mother, had many talents and interests.

Pratibha Sharma, daughter Anvi and husband Jatin Chugh. Picture: supplied

Pratibha Sharma and Jatin Chugh were among five killed in the horror crash. Picture: Supplied

The young girl was an aspiring gymnast and swimmer, and had more recently undertaken karate, winning medals for her athletic prowess.

She could also play the mandolin and was an avid reader.

“She had just started her life. I cannot believe it,” Mr Sharma said.

“In nine years, she had read more than 100 books. Her room is like a small library.

“She was like her mother, multitalented.

“She would always write her mother greetings and notes.”

Ms Sharma, who was a devoted community volunteer and domestic violence advocate before recently becoming a lawyer, had several university degrees and dreams of soon opening her own law practice.

Nine-year-old Anvi wrote of her love for family in letters displayed through the family’s home. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The active mother and community member had a Bachelor and Masters in IT and had this year been admitted to practice as a lawyer after completing a law degree at Deakin University’s Geelong campus.

“She was very intelligent,” Ms Sharma said.

“Her daughter is also very intelligent.”

The family on Tuesday awaited the moment police allowed them to visit Ms Sharma, Mr Chugh and Anvi.

They have not yet grappled with funeral or burial plans, but expressed gratitude for support from Ms Sharma’s many friends and loved ones.

“Everyone is shocked,” Mr Sharma said.

“We had more than 100 family here last night and her friends

“She had so many friends, a very big circle.”

Treasurer Tim Pallas, who holds the seat of Werribee which Ms Sharma contested in 2018, said the incident was an “unthinkable tragedy”.

“The events at Daylesford on Sunday have devastated two families that were amazing – like all families filled with love are amazing,” he said.

“Pratibha Sharma was devoted to her family and her community – as her commitment to stand for election in the seat of Werribee in 2018 attests.

“The loss of Pratibha, her daughter Anvi and partner Jatin Chugh, and that of Vivek Bhatia and his son Vihaan, is an unthinkable tragedy for those who loved them, and is felt deeply by all of us.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Vivek’s wife Ruchi and youngest son and the other innocent victims being treated in hospital.”