India
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area witnessed a horrific accident. The accident claimed the lives of two individuals. A luxury Porsche, driven by a 17-year-old, collided with a motorcycle. instantly killing Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta. The tragic event. captured on CCTV, showed the car traveling at an estimated speed of 200 kmph in a narrow lane.
Public Reaction and Outcry
The public reaction has been intense and emotional. Citizens have expressed their anger and frustration over what they perceive as a lenient response to a severe crime.
The Juvenile Justice Board’s decision to grant bail, coupled with rehabilitative conditions. Bail conditions mandatory counseling, a de-addiction program, and a 300-word essay on road safety. It has been met with severe public backlash. Many argue that the gravity of the accident demands harsher consequences.
Arrests and Legal Actions
In response to the accident, Pune Police have arrested the father of the teenage driver from Aurangabad. Additionally, the owners of two bars where the minor was served alcohol have been apprehended. Pune Police Commissioner 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 crash. With Maharashtra’s legal drinking age set at 25, the bar owners are now facing serious charges for serving alcohol to a minor.
Crime Branch Steps In
The case has been transferred to Pune Police’s crime branch, intensifying the investigation. Meanwhile, Pune police have charged the boy’s father Vishal Agarwal under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Which pertain to willful neglect of a child and providing intoxicating substances to a minor. The juvenile driver was granted bail just 15 hours after his detention. A decision that has sparked widespread criticism and public outrage.
Seeking Justice for the Victims
In response to the bail decision, Pune police have filed an application with the sessions court to try the juvenile as an adult. “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,” said Commissioner Kumar. This move reflects the belief that the severity of the incident warrants stricter judicial scrutiny.
Legal Action Against the Pub
Additionally, the police have initiated legal action against the pub where the minor was drinking. The proprietors face charges for their role in providing alcohol to the underage driver, contributing to the tragic events that ensued. This legal action highlights the broader issues of accountability and responsibility in such tragic incidents.
As the investigation progresses, the families of Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, both IT engineers, are seeking justice for their loved ones. The public continues to voice its demand for accountability and stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such tragedies in the future. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, not only for its legal implications but also for its impact on public policy and safety regulations.
