In an unusual decision by the Juvenile Justice Board, a 17-year-old teenager, involved in a fatal car accident in Pune, has been granted bail with conditions aimed at rehabilitation and awareness. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 19, resulted in the deaths of two individuals when the speeding Porsche driven by the minor hit their motorcycle.
The bail conditions include a mandatory 15-day stint working with the traffic police in Yerawada, writing an essay on the accident, undergoing medical treatment to quit drinking, and receiving psychiatric counselling. Advocate Prashant Patil, representing the accused, highlighted that these conditions are designed to foster rehabilitation and awareness in the teenager.
“The juvenile accused who was arrested by Pune Police has been granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board on certain conditions, including that the accused should work with the traffic police of Yerawada for 15 days, write an essay on the accident, seek treatment to quit drinking, and take psychiatric counselling,” said Patil.
The accident occurred around 3.15 am in Kalyani Nagar. A group of friends was returning home on their motorbikes after a party when the luxury car, driven at high speed by the minor, collided with one of the motorcycles. The impact caused the motorcycle’s two riders, Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa, to fall and die instantly. The car then crashed into roadside pavement railings. A video shared on social media shows a group of people assaulting the teenager as he emerged from the vehicle.
Following the incident, the police detained the minor and registered a case against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The charges include rash driving, causing death by negligence, and causing grievous hurt by endangering life.
In addition to prosecuting the minor, the Pune City Police have initiated legal action against the teenager’s father and the bar that served him alcohol. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that they are being charged under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Section 75 deals with punishment for those who abuse or neglect a child, causing mental or physical harm, while Section 77 pertains to the prohibition of giving liquor or drugs to a child.
