In a significant development following a tragic car accident in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, the father of a 17-year-old boy involved in the crash has been arrested by Pune Police in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad. The fatal accident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
Details of the Incident
The luxury Porsche, driven by the 17-year-old, collided with a motorcycle, instantly killing Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa. CCTV footage captured the high-speed crash, with the car reportedly traveling at an estimated 200 km/h in a narrow lane. Pune’s Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, revealed that the minor had been celebrating his class 12 results at a local pub, where he was seen consuming alcohol before the accident.
In Maharashtra, the legal drinking age is 25, making it illegal for the establishment to serve the minor. Consequently, the pub owners are facing charges for serving alcohol to a minor.
Public Outcry and Legal Actions
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, particularly after the Juvenile Justice Board granted the minor bail just 15 hours after his detention. The conditions of his bail included mandatory counseling, participation in a de-addiction program, and writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This lenient response has been heavily criticized given the severity of the accident.
In response to the public outcry and perceived leniency, Pune police have submitted an application to the sessions court, seeking to try the juvenile as an adult. Commissioner Kumar emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “We have taken yesterday’s incident seriously. We have taken action under section 304 of IPC, which is a non-bailable section as it was a heinous crime.”
Arrests and Further Actions
While awaiting the sessions court’s decision, Pune police have arrested the boy’s father, a well-known local builder, under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act. These sections address willful neglect of a child and providing intoxicating substances to a minor. The arrest reflects the police’s determination to hold all responsible parties accountable, regardless of their social or economic standing.
Additionally, legal action has been initiated against the pub where the minor was seen drinking. The proprietors face serious charges for their role in serving alcohol to the minor, which contributed to the tragic events.
