Pune Porsche Case: JJB Member Who Granted Bail to Minor Driver Faces Dismissal
Pune, 17th July 2024: Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) member Dr. L.N. Danawade, who granted bail to the minor accused in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident, is likely to be dismissed amidst the controversies surrounding the case. He, along with K.T. Thorat, was previously issued a show-cause notice by the Commissioner of the Women and Child Development Department (WCD). Many questioned why no action was taken against the judge for granting bail to the minor accused just 15 hours after the incident. However, significant action is now anticipated against Dr. Dhanawade.
Prashant Nanaware, Commissioner of WCD, had issued show-cause notices to Danawade and Thorat. Danawade reportedly submitted a response of more than five pages, but the WCD, being unsatisfied, may soon dismiss both Danawade and Thorat. Danawade granted bail to the minor accused without consulting the second member, Thorat. There are allegations against both of them regarding misconduct, non-compliance, and other issues.
On 19th May, a minor, under the influence of alcohol and speeding in a Porsche, tragically killed two young IT engineers, Ashwini Koshta and Anish Awadhiya. The case garnered national attention when the minor was granted bail within 15 hours by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). The JJB’s decision to grant bail included conditions like the minor was to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO), study all traffic rules and regulations, and present a report to the JJB within 15 days and write an essay. Additionally, the minor was required to assist RTO officials in studying traffic rules for 15 days and submit a report.
The minor was also ordered to undergo external de-addiction counselling for alcohol consumption and consult psychiatrists at Sassoon Hospital, a government medical facility. A report from these consultations was to be submitted to the JJB within 15 days. Furthermore, the parent of the child in conflict with the law (CCL) was directed to ensure the minor’s presence before the JJB as required and to keep the minor away from negative influences.
The JJB’s decision faced widespread criticism for its perceived leniency, leading to the minor’s bail being “cancelled” and his subsequent return to the Remand Home for Boys in Pune. The initial bail decision and its conditions, seen by many as inadequate for the gravity of the crime, sparked a debate on the efficacy and appropriateness of the juvenile justice system.
Subsequent developments include the Pune Police arresting the minor’s father, Vishal Agarwal; his mother, Shivani Agarwal; and his grandfather, Surendra Kumar Agarwal. There were reports of his blood sample evidence being tampered with to save him from DUI allegations, for which his mother was arrested along with two doctors, a peon of Sassoon General Hospital, and a middleman who mediated bribes. Additionally, his father and grandfather were arrested for kidnapping and criminal intimidation of their family driver to coerce him into taking the blame for the crime. The family also had previous cases registered against them.
Meanwhile, the Pune Police filed multiple petitions in court to try the minor accused as an adult. On 25th June, the Bombay High Court granted bail to the minor accused. The court’s order invalidated previous JJB orders detaining the minor, directing his immediate release into his aunt’s custody.
