Pune Porsche Accident: Teen spent over Rs 48k at pub before mowing down 2, skipped Rs 1,758 registration fee

A juvenile driver involved in a fatal crash in Pune, resulting in the deaths of two motorcyclists, was released on bail just 15 hours after the accident. The minor was produced in front of the magistrate by Pune police, who had requested the court to treat him as an adult. However, the court rejected the request and granted bail under the Juvenile Justice Act, imposing conditions along with the bail.

The speeding Porsche Taycan, driven by the juvenile, crashed into the motorcyclists from behind, causing their deaths on the spot. The police booked the minor for rash and negligent driving, endangering life, and causing harm under IPC Sections 304A, 279, 337, 338, 427, and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Act at Pune City's Yerwada Police Station.

Teen Spent Rs 48,000 at pub before crash
Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that the teenager spent Rs 48,000 at two pubs before the accident. The bill, obtained from Cosie pub, showed the cost of liquor served to the teen and his friends. The group later moved to Blak Mariott before the accident occurred. ACP Manoj Patil stated that CCTV footage showed the teenager consuming alcohol before driving. Blood sample results are pending, but the police have already invoked section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act (drink driving) against the 17-year-old.

The Porsche Taycan involved in Sunday's fatal crash in Pune was found to be running without registration since March, according to RTO officials. The luxury sports sedan, which carries a price tag between Rs 1.6 crore and Rs 2.4 crore in India, belonged to a prominent builder.

Officials revealed that the builder had failed to pay Rs 1,758 to complete the registration process of the Porsche. Although Rs 45,000 was paid to RTO for a chosen registration number, the process remained incomplete.

Allegations of Favoritism
Responding to allegations from Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut about potential collusion between Pune police and an MLA to favor the teen, Commissioner Kumar denied any favoritism or political pressure. "We have proceeded legally right from the beginning," he asserted.


Political Reactions and Demands for Judicial Probe
Maharashtra’s leader of opposition, Vijay Wadettiwar, has demanded a judicial inquiry into the accident, questioning the effectiveness of the police investigation. Rahul Gandhi also criticized the preferential treatment given to the wealthy teen, questioning the lenient punishment by the Juvenile Justice Board. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the board's decision, promising strong action against the teen and highlighting the public outrage.

Legal Proceedings and Arrests
The minor, son of a prominent realtor, was granted bail within 15 hours of the incident, sparking further outrage. His father has been arrested under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act for willful neglect and supplying alcohol to a minor. The police also arrested the owners of the bars involved for allowing underage drinking. Fadnavis emphasized the need for strict action against establishments violating drinking laws and announced increased police checks for drunk driving.

Ongoing Investigation
Pune police continue to investigate the case, seeking to try the minor as an adult due to the heinous nature of the crime. Despite facing criticism, Commissioner Kumar maintained that the police were building a strong case against the teen. "We are trying to prove it is a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder," he stated. The police have approached the District Court after the Juvenile Justice Board rejected their plea to try the minor as an adult.


(With inputs from TOI)