The Pune teenager, responsible for the fatal accident on Sunday while driving his father’s expensive Porsche supercar under the influence, faces additional scrutiny as police delve into potential lapses in protocol following the incident, including allegations of preferential treatment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ashwini Rakh will investigate the handling of the case at the Yerwada police station, focusing on initial reports downplaying the severity of the incident and the delayed alcohol level test for the teenager.
Moreover, opposition politician Prakash Ambedkar alleges that the teen received special treatment, including being served pizza and burgers while in custody, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the accident involving the victims, software professionals Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta.
Officers at Yerawada police station spent more time questioning the relationship between Anish and Ashwini — the two IT professionals who were fatally knocked down by the drunk minor — while the accused was allegedly served burger and pizza.
This is how the system benefits the…
— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) May 22, 2024
Questions raised by Ambedkar regarding the delayed alcohol test and the teenager’s initial bail sparked public outrage, leading to a revision of the bail conditions, with the teen remanded to a detention facility until June 5.
Presently facing a drunk driving charge, the teen may face a charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder if tried as an adult by the Juvenile Board. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has also questioned the fairness of the legal process, highlighting the disparity in treatment based on socio-economic status.
Additionally, police have recovered the father’s mobile phone, left behind during his attempt to evade arrest, implicating him under the Juvenile Justice Act for willful neglect. The bar where the teenager was served alcohol has been closed, with its owner and staff under investigation for selling liquor to a minor.
Despite being underage for both driving and drinking, the teenager’s actions have sparked widespread concern over the administration of justice and accountability.