The Controversial Porsche Crash in Pune: A Year Later
On May 19, 2022, a tragic accident involving a speeding Porsche claimed the lives of two IT engineers in Pune. The incident, driven by a 17.5-year-old from a real estate family, led to allegations of cover-ups, bribery, and tampered evidence. Here’s a look at the aftermath, one year later.
Porsche CrashPuneReal EstateJuvenile JusticeBlood Sample SwapReal Estate PuneMay 18, 2025
The accident occurred after the minor and his friends celebrated their Class 12 exam results at a pub. The minor was reportedly driving a Porsche Taycan, a luxury car without number plates. The Porsche collided with the Pulsar motorcycle, ridden by Awadhiya with Koshta as a pillion rider, and then hit another car before coming to a halt. The impact was severe, and the speedometer reading at the time of the crash indicated a speed of 110 km/h.
Initially, the minor was charged with causing death due to negligence. However, the police later invoked the more serious charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The police also claimed that the speedometer reading suggested the crash occurred at a much higher speed. The minor was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pune on the same day, and bail was granted with conditions, including writing an essay on traffic safety and undergoing de-addiction counseling. However, public outrage led to the minor being sent to an observation home on May 22.
On June 24, the Bombay High Court ordered the minor's release, quashing the remand orders by the JJB. The court found the remand illegal and directed the minor to be placed under the care of his paternal aunt. The minor was released on June 25 and later submitted his essay on traffic safety, complying with the bail conditions.
In a supplementary final report, the police charged the minor with criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence, alleging that he was involved in swapping blood samples. An application to try the minor as an adult is still pending before the JJB. The minor, who turned 18 later that year, faced difficulties in getting college admission due to the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The minor's parents, the 51-year-old realtor father and 50-year-old mother, were also arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy for allegedly orchestrating the blood sample swap. The father, who was detained from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, is named in three cases linked to the crash and three more related to property disputes and criminal activities in the real estate business. He remains in judicial custody, with his bail applications rejected. The mother, after spending close to 11 months in custody, was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in April this year.
The minor's 78-year-old grandfather, who heads the family's real estate business, was also booked and arrested for alleged abduction and confinement of the driver, who was with the minor at the time of the accident. The driver, Gangadhar Herikrub, alleged that he was threatened and promised gifts to take the blame for the accident. The grandfather, who is out on bail, faces charges of tampering with CCTV footage from the minor's house.
Dr. Ajay Taware, head of the Forensic Medicine Department at Sassoon Hospital, and two other hospital staffers—Dr. Shrihari Halnor and Atul Ghatkamble—were arrested for swapping the minor's blood sample with that of his mother. The original sample was discarded in a hospital dustbin. The father of the minor allegedly exchanged multiple calls with Dr. Taware before the sample was collected. The police recovered Rs. 3 lakh from the two doctors and the hospital staffer, suggesting it was their commission. Taware, Halnor, and Ghatkamble are currently in judicial custody, and their medical licenses were suspended by the Maharashtra Medical Council.
The handling of the case by the Yerwada police station drew criticism. The initial sections applied and the delay in collecting the blood sample were heavily criticized, leading to the suspension of Police Inspector Rahul Jagdale and Assistant Police Inspector Vishwanaath Todkari. The Pune city police recommended their dismissal from service in March this year.
Sunil Tingre, the then NCP MLA of Vadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency, faced allegations of influencing the probe and the application of sections against the minor. Tingre, who lost the November 2024 assembly election, denied the allegations. The police questioned him but found no evidence to charge him. Tingre's name resurfaced later when a recommendation letter for Dr. Taware, backing him for the post of Medical Superintendent at Sassoon Hospital, appeared on social media, raising questions about his association with the doctor.
The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), which initially granted bail to the minor, also faced criticism. The board, consisting of only one non-judicial member, was accused of misuse of power. Dr. L.N. Danawade, the non-judicial member, and another member, Kavita Thorat, were terminated by the Maharashtra government following an inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Porsche crash in Pune?
A 17.5-year-old from a real estate family was driving a Porsche at high speed when he collided with a motorcycle, killing two IT engineers. The incident occurred at Kalyani Nagar junction in Pune on May 19, 2022.
Who were the main characters involved in the case?
The main characters involved were the 17.5-year-old minor driver, his parents and grandfather, the two deceased IT engineers, hospital staff, and local police officers. The minor's parents and grandfather were charged with criminal conspiracy and other related offenses.
What were the allegations of cover-ups and tampering with evidence?
The minor's blood sample was allegedly swapped with his mother's, and hospital staff were arrested for their involvement. The minor's father was also accused of tampering with CCTV footage and coercing the driver to take the blame.
What was the role of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in this case?
The JJB initially granted bail to the minor with conditions. However, the board faced criticism for its handling of the case, leading to the termination of its members by the Maharashtra government.
What were the consequences for the minor's family and the hospital staff?
The minor's father and grandfather were arrested and remain in judicial custody. The mother was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court. The hospital staff, including Dr. Ajay Taware, were arrested and their medical licenses were suspended.
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