Pune, Maharashtra: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Pune, the father of a 17-year-old boy involved in a fatal car accident has been arrested. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, resulted in the deaths of Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa. According to police reports, the minor was driving a luxury Porsche at an estimated speed of 200 kmph when it collided with the victims’ motorcycle.
The crash, captured on CCTV, shows the high-speed impact in a narrow lane, highlighting the reckless nature of the driving. The case has now been transferred to Pune Police’s crime branch for further investigation.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
The Pune Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, disclosed that the teenager had been out celebrating his class 12 results at a local pub prior to the accident. Witnesses reported seeing the minor consuming alcohol at the establishment. In Maharashtra, the legal drinking age is 25, making it illegal for the pub to serve him. Consequently, the bar owners are now facing charges for providing alcohol to a minor.
Public Outcry and Judicial Proceedings
The incident has triggered significant public outrage, particularly after the Juvenile Justice Board granted bail to the minor just 15 hours after his detention. The board imposed rehabilitative measures, including mandatory counselling, a de-addiction program, and a 300-word essay on road safety. However, many have criticized these measures as too lenient given the severity of the crime.
In response to the bail decision, Pune police have filed an application with the sessions court to try the juvenile as an adult. Commissioner Kumar emphasized the seriousness of the incident, 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.”
Arrest of the Teen’s Father
As the investigation unfolds, Pune police have also arrested the boy’s father, a prominent local builder, under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act. These sections deal with willful neglect of a child and providing intoxicating substances to a minor. This development underscores the legal accountability of guardians in such situations, particularly in cases involving underage drinking and reckless behavior.
The father’s arrest is a pivotal aspect of the case, reflecting a broader approach to ensuring justice and preventing similar incidents in the future. The community’s demand for stringent action highlights the need for greater responsibility and oversight, especially concerning minors.
Moving Forward
As the sessions court reviews the application to try the juvenile as an adult, the case remains a focal point of public and legal scrutiny. The tragic loss of Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa has not only brought immense grief to their families but also sparked a debate on road safety, juvenile justice, and the responsibilities of establishments serving alcohol.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to legal age limits for alcohol consumption. The ongoing legal proceedings and public reaction may lead to stricter enforcement of existing laws and potentially new regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.