Published on: May 21, 2024 20:10 IST
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, made sharp comments on the lenient measures taken by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in the recent Pune Porsche accident case. During a press conference, Fadnavis expressed his discontent with the JJB’s decision, which sparked significant public outrage in Pune.
“The lenient view taken by the JJB when the accused was presented is unacceptable,” Fadnavis stated. Despite two fatalities resulting from the accident, the minor accused was ordered to perform social service.
Fadnavis highlighted that the police had clearly stated in their application that the accused is 17 years and 8 months old. “This is a heinous crime. Following the Nirbhaya case, amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act allow for minors above 16 years to be tried as adults if the crime is heinous,” he added. However, the JJB issued a surprising order requiring the accused to do social work and write essays.
Following this decision, the police approached a higher court, which took cognizance of the matter and instructed the police to file a revision application. Fadnavis mentioned that the court advised the police to return if justice is not served. The revision application has been filed, and the hearing is expected to conclude by tomorrow.
Fadnavis also held a meeting with police officials to review the incident and discuss further actions. “The incident in Pune, where two youths lost their lives, is deeply disturbing. I have reviewed the situation with police officials and assessed the steps taken so far,” he informed.
Court Sends Three Accused into Police Custody
In a related development, the court has remanded three accused – Naman Pralhad Bhutda, owner of Cosie restaurant, its manager Sachin Katkar, and Sandip Sangle, manager of Blak Club hotel – into police custody until May 24. The three were produced before the court in connection with the case.
On May 19, a Porsche car allegedly driven by the juvenile, who was reportedly intoxicated, struck two motorbike riders in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, resulting in their deaths.