Ajit Pawar calls for strict action against those responsible for Pune car crash

Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has called for strict action in the car crash case in Pune, where a 17-year-old allegedly killed two motorbike-borne software engineers while driving a Porsche under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred in Kalyani Nagar in the early hours of Sunday.

The youngster, son of real estate mogul Vishal Agarwal, was first granted bail in the Pune car crash case by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) with an instruction to write a 300-word essay. However, following public outrage and a police review request, he was confined to an observation home until June 5, reported PTI.

Pawar told reporters that the probe should proceed without political influence, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the need for responsibility.

"Probe into the case should be conducted without interference from any political person. Whatever happened was serious and such incidents should be curbed and stringent action should be taken against those who are responsible in the case, Pawar stated. He also stated that action has been taken against illegal pubs and bars in the city, raising concerns about rising pub culture.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Kasba MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging that the investigation be led by a retired judge. Dhangekar emphasised Pune's status as an educational hub, as well as the harmful effects of pub culture on young people.

"Pune is an educational capital. A large number of students from different parts of the state are in the city to study. Pune is widely known as a peaceful city. However, the pub culture is on the rise in the city. The pubs which are operating late at night are creating trouble for many. Moreover, the younger generation is getting addicted to pub culture and their lives seem to be getting ruined," Dhangekar said.

He also protested outside the police commissioner's office, demanding the suspension of the investigation officer in the Kalyani Nagar accident and the filing of a police report against him.