- Maharashtra Deputy CM Fadnavis reacts to a horrifying incident where a 17-year-old boy crashed his Porsche into a motorbike, resulting in the deaths of two IT professionals on the spot.
- Fadnavis condemns the Juvenile Justice Board’s lenient punishment for the teen, which includes a 300-word essay on accidents, a 15-day stint working with traffic police, and mandatory counselling for his drinking habit.
- The decision by the Juvenile Justice Board sparks widespread public outrage, with citizens, activists, and lawmakers alike expressing shock and dismay.
- Despite being apprehended, the teen is granted bail within 15 hours, leading to further public outcry.
- The father, upon learning of the FIR against him, attempts to evade arrest through an elaborate plan involving multiple vehicles and a change of SIM card.
- Families of the deceased IT engineers express dissatisfaction over the swift bail granted to the teenager, describing the incident as murder rather than an accident.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacts to a horrifying incident where a 17-year-old boy crashed his Porsche into a motorbike in Kalyani Nagar, Pune, resulting in the deaths of two IT professionals on the spot. The police suspect the teen was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Fadnavis condemns the Juvenile Justice Board’s lenient punishment for the teen, which includes a 300-word essay on accidents, a 15-day stint working with traffic police, and mandatory counselling for his drinking habit. He questions the appropriateness of such a light penalty for a crime of such gravity, expressing disbelief at the board’s decision.
The decision by the Juvenile Justice Board sparks widespread public outrage, with citizens, activists, and lawmakers alike expressing shock and dismay. Fadnavis, responding to the public sentiment, promises to take action and appeals against the board’s order in the district court, seeking a more stringent punishment for the offender.
Investigations reveal that the minor, son of a prominent realtor in Pune, was drinking with friends at a bar prior to the accident. The bar owners are arrested for allowing underage drinking, highlighting concerns over underage alcohol consumption and the lack of stringent enforcement of liquor laws.
Fadnavis emphasizes that in light of previous legal precedents like the Nirbhaya case, where individuals above 16 years were considered adults for heinous crimes, the severity of the incident warrants serious consequences for the teen. He underscores the need for a re-evaluation of the legal framework surrounding juvenile offenders in cases of grievous harm or loss of life.
Despite being apprehended, the teen is granted bail within 15 hours, leading to further public outcry. Subsequently, the father is arrested under sections of the Juvenile Justice Act for negligence and facilitating underage drinking. The swift bail and subsequent arrest raise questions about the efficacy of the legal system in delivering justice swiftly and effectively.
Fadnavis outlines government measures to prevent similar incidents, including stringent action against pubs violating regulations and increased police checks for drink driving. He underscores the importance of proactive measures to address systemic issues contributing to such tragedies and ensure the safety of citizens on the roads.
The incident triggers a political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the delay in action against the teen and alleging undue influence on the part of the accused’s family. Pune police commissioner defends the police’s actions and denies any undue influence, emphasizing the adherence to due process and legal protocol.
The police seek permission from the district court to try the teenager as an adult, citing the gravity of the crime and the need for appropriate punishment. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to gather evidence to build a strong case against the teen and secure justice for the victims and their families.
The father, upon learning of the FIR against him, attempts to evade arrest through an elaborate plan involving multiple vehicles and a change of SIM card. However, the police track him down and arrest him in a late-night raid, underscoring the determination of law enforcement authorities to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Families of the deceased IT engineers express dissatisfaction over the swift bail granted to the teenager, describing the incident as murder rather than an accident. They demand justice for their loved ones and criticize the lax enforcement of laws pertaining to underage drinking, advocating for stricter penalties for offenders to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the legal battle unfolds, the police await a decision from the juvenile justice board on trying the teenager as an adult, while efforts to gather evidence and secure justice for the victims continue unabated. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for comprehensive legal reforms and effective enforcement mechanisms to address issues of juvenile crime and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
(With inputs from agencies)
