The Incident


In the early hours of Sunday morning, a tragic car accident in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area led to the untimely death of two IT engineers, Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta. The incident, captured on CCTV, revealed a luxury Porsche, driven by a 17-year-old, colliding with a motorcycle at an estimated speed of 200 kmph in a narrow lane. The collision was fatal, killing both riders instantly.


The Aftermath: Legal Actions and Arrests


Following the accident, the Pune Police took swift action, arresting the teenager's father in Aurangabad. He was charged under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act for willful neglect of a child and providing intoxicating substances to a minor, respectively. This move came after it was revealed that the minor had been celebrating his class 12 results at a local pub, where he consumed alcohol before the crash. The legal drinking age in Maharashtra is 25, making the pub's actions illegal. Consequently, the bar owners are also facing charges for serving alcohol to a minor.


Public Outcry and Judicial Response


The Juvenile Justice Board's decision to grant the minor bail just 15 hours after his detention sparked intense public outrage. Despite the gravity of the incident, the board imposed relatively lenient rehabilitative conditions, including mandatory counselling, a de-addiction program, and a 300-word essay on road safety. Many criticized this response as insufficient given the severity of the accident and the loss of two lives.


Pune Police's Stance


In light of the public outcry and the seriousness of the crime, the Pune Police have transferred the case to the Crime Branch. Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar emphasized the severity 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." The police have filed an application with the sessions court to try the juvenile as an adult, arguing that the severity of the crime warrants harsher judicial scrutiny.


Reflections on Road Safety and Responsibility


This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and responsible behavior, particularly among young drivers. It also highlights the role of parents and establishments in ensuring that minors do not have access to alcohol. The accident has sparked a broader discussion about the enforcement of drinking age laws and the responsibilities of adults in preventing such tragedies.


Moving Forward


As the legal proceedings continue, the families of Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta mourn their irreplaceable loss. The community's call for justice remains strong, with many hoping that this incident will lead to stricter enforcement of laws and greater awareness about road safety and responsible parenting. The tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the need for vigilant oversight to prevent future tragedies.