Police to Challenge Juvenile Justice Board Order on Pune Porsche Accident; Seek Adult Trial for Teen Accused

The Pune Police announced on Monday their intent to challenge a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) order that granted bail to a 17-year-old involved in a fatal car accident, seeking instead to have him tried as an adult. The decision follows an accident in which a Porsche allegedly driven by the teenager, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, struck a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two IT professionals.

Incident Overview:

On Sunday at approximately 3:15 am, the Porsche collided with a motorcycle in Kalyani Nagar, killing Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa, both 24-year-olds from Madhya Pradesh. The teenager, believed to be intoxicated at the time, was taken into custody and presented before the JJB, which subsequently granted him bail and directed him to write a 300-word essay on road accidents and their solutions. Additionally, the JJB instructed him to study traffic rules and attend an alcohol deaddiction counseling session.

Police Response:

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated that the police had immediately filed an application to have the juvenile tried as an adult due to the gravity of the offense. However, the JJB rejected the plea, prompting the police to prepare an appeal to a higher court. Kumar highlighted that the police are committed to building a robust case, underscoring that the teenager’s blood report is pending, but preliminary evidence and CCTV footage indicate he was consuming alcohol prior to the accident.

Charges and Legal Actions:

The teenager faces charges under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and various sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. In addition to prosecuting the juvenile, police have also filed charges against his father under Sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act for willful neglect and supplying alcohol to a minor. The proprietors of the bar where the teenager was served alcohol are also being investigated.

Community and Legal Repercussions:

Local residents have expressed long-standing concerns over the disruptive impact of late-night bars and pubs in the area, exacerbated by this tragic incident. Yasmin Charaniya of Team Swach Kalyani Nagar, a residents’ association, emphasized the need for stricter operational hours and increased police patrolling to prevent such occurrences.

Police Commissioner’s Statement:

Commissioner Kumar reassured the community of stringent enforcement of the 1:30 am closing time for bars and pubs and promised heightened vigilance by patrolling teams to ensure compliance.

Next Steps:

As the police prepare to contest the JJB’s decision, they plan to present comprehensive evidence to the sessions court, aiming to secure a trial for the juvenile as an adult, which they argue is warranted given the severity of the crime and the impact on public safety.

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