Published on: May 24, 2024 22:00 IST
The father of a 17-year-old boy involved in a fatal car crash has been sent to jail for 14 days by a city magistrate court. This ruling comes after his son killed two people while driving a ₹2.5 crore Porsche under the influence of alcohol and without a license.
The father’s detention, lasting until June 7, allows him to apply for bail, which he is expected to seek in a higher court. The court ruled against the police’s request for a seven-day custody extension, citing the father’s lack of cooperation in the investigation.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering and Non-Cooperation
Police claim the father has hindered the investigation, including potential tampering with CCTV footage from their home. Additionally, the father’s original mobile phone, which he left behind to avoid tracking, is now being examined by experts for crucial information.
Authorities are also probing the significant expenditure of ₹48,000 at Cosie Bar by the boy and his friends before the incident, with the establishment yet to furnish the bill and other details.
Legal Battle and Charges
The father’s lawyer argues that there is no evidence proving his client’s prior knowledge of his son’s actions, criticizing the media for potentially influencing the case negatively. The father faces charges under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act for willful neglect, carrying a possible three-year sentence and a ₹1 lakh fine, and under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating, which could result in up to seven years in jail.
The cheating charge stems from an unpaid ₹1,758 registration fee for the Porsche, which was never registered under the name of Brahma Ledgers. Police sources suggest the father may also face charges of evidence destruction.
Teen’s Remand and Potential Adult Trial
The teen was initially granted bail with the condition of writing a 300-word essay on road safety, sparking public outrage. The Juvenile Justice Board has since sent him to a remand home until June 5. The boy, who was four months shy of the legal driving age and eight years below the legal drinking age in Maharashtra, faces a drunk driving charge that could lead to six months in jail and a ₹10,000 fine. However, the charge could escalate to culpable homicide if tried as an adult.
Investigation into Police Conduct
The police are also examining potential protocol lapses, including allegations of preferential treatment towards the teen. Reports indicate that the initial police station delayed the teen’s medical examination, which could have impacted the determination of his blood alcohol levels. Allegations include the provision of food and water to the teen, possibly diluting alcohol traces, and failure to inform the Police Control Room.
Claims of Bribery and Sequence of Events
The investigation has revealed disturbing details, including an alleged attempt by the boy’s family to bribe the driver, who was initially in the passenger seat, to take responsibility for the crash. The sequence of events reportedly began with the boy’s grandfather, linked to a prominent Mumbai gangster, providing the car keys and a credit card. The intoxicated teen later argued with the driver and took control of the vehicle.
Pune Police Chief Amitesh Kumar emphasized the strength of their case, citing CCTV footage of the boy drinking and asserting that the teen was fully aware of his actions throughout the night.
“We have CCTV footage of him drinking liquor… our case does not depend on the blood report. He was in his senses. It was not as if all were so drunk they could not understand anything. They had full knowledge…” Kumar stated.