Pune: Minor Involved in Kalyani Nagar Porsche Accident Granted Bail by Bombay High Court

Pune, 25th June 2024: The Bombay High Court has granted bail to the minor involved in the Kalyani Nagar Porsche accident that resulted in the deaths of two IT engineers. Initially bailed by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the minor was re-arrested by Pune Police, which the High Court deemed illegal.

The incident, which occurred on 19th May, involved a 17-year-old boy under the influence of alcohol, who crashed his speeding Porsche into a two-wheeler, killing Ashwini Koshta and Aneesh Awadhiya instantly.

The JJB had initially granted the minor bail within 15 hours of the incident, with conditions including writing a 300-word essay. This decision drew national criticism, leading the JJB to revoke his bail and place him in an Observation Home for Boys. The minor’s aunt subsequently filed a habeas corpus petition in the Bombay High Court, challenging the minor’s re-arrest. The court, led by Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, ruled in favor of the petition, asserting that the arrest was illegal as it contravened the JJB’s initial bail decision.

The court’s order invalidated the previous JJB orders detaining the minor and directed his immediate release into his aunt’s custody. At 17 years and 8 months old, the boy is considered a minor, and concerns about his well-being and safety in the remand home were raised. With the minor’s parents and grandfather also arrested following the incident, there was no immediate family available to advocate for him, prompting his aunt to intervene.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare commented on the bail, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the documents and evidence presented to the court. She highlighted potential errors and the roles of the public prosecutor and investigating officer in ensuring justice.

The lawyer for the minor stated, “The orders of the JJB detaining the child are invalid and cancelled. Therefore, the child must be released immediately.”