Pune Car Crash: Accused Teenager's Father, Grandfather Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody In Driver Kidnapping Matter

The driver was reportedly accompanying the juvenile in the Porsche when the luxury car collided with a two-wheeler, resulting in the death of two software engineers in Pune's Kalyani Nagar on May 19.

New Delhi: A local court in Pune on Friday remanded the father and grandfather of the minor involved in the Porsche case to judicial custody for 14 days over their roles in the alleged kidnapping and wrongful confinement of their driver. Real estate developer Vishal Agarwal and his father were presented before the court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) A A Pande after the completion of their police remand.

The driver was reportedly accompanying the juvenile in the Porsche when the luxury car collided with a two-wheeler, resulting in the death of two software engineers in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area on May 19, reported news agency PTI.

Allegedly, the father-son duo coerced the driver into taking the blame for the accident, subsequently kidnapping and illegally confining him to their residence. The driver's wife managed to free him from the servant quarter at the bungalow of the accused in the Vadgaon Sheri area. 

During the court proceedings, the prosecution requested an extension of police remand, citing progress in the case, including the recovery of the phone and a car allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

They argued that further custody of the accused was necessary as they were not cooperating with the investigation. In response, the defense counsel objected to the demand for police custody, asserting that sufficient time had already been given for the probe, PTI reported.

With the recovery of the car, phone, and CCTV footage, the defense argued against the need for additional police custody. After considering both arguments, the judge decided to send the accused to judicial custody for 14 days.

The case took a new turn as police revealed that the blood samples of the juvenile involved in the incident were swapped at Sassoon General Hospital to falsely indicate sobriety during the accident.

Dr. Ajay Taware, former head of the forensic medicine department at Sassoon Hospital, along with medical officer Dr. Shrihari Halnor and employee Atul Ghatkamble, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in manipulating the minor's blood samples.

Meanwhile, the juvenile has been placed in an observation home until June 5.

 Pune Car Crash: Police Seek Juvenile Justice Board Nod To Probe Minor

The Pune police have reached out to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to investigate the minor allegedly involved in the fatal Porsche crash that claimed two lives, following revelations about manipulated blood samples. Police allege the 17-year-old was driving under the influence during the accident in Kalyani Nagar on May 19.

With the teen in observation until June 5, Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade stated, "We have written to the JJ Board seeking permission for the probe." Under the Juvenile Justice Act, any inquiry involving a minor must include their parents.

The investigation comes amidst recent developments, including the arrest of two doctors over the alleged blood sample swapping at Sassoon General Hospital. The JJB initially granted bail to the teenager, son of real estate developer Vishal Agarwal, and instructed a road safety essay, reported PTI.

Subsequently, under public scrutiny, police returned to the JJB, leading to a modification of the order for observation until June 5. The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to scrutinise the JJB's actions in this case, with Commissioner of the Women and Child Department Prashant Narnavare confirming that the committee's findings will be available next week.

Commissioner Prashant Narnavare clarified that the JJB includes one member from the judiciary and two individuals appointed by the state government. The current inquiry focuses on the conduct of the state-appointed members.

Additionally, police have detained two doctors and a hospital staffer from Sassoon General Hospital for allegedly tampering with the teenager's blood samples to indicate sobriety at the time of the accident.