Pune: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed bail to another accused linked to the high-profile 2024 Pune Porsche crash, observing that other individuals facing similar allegations had already been granted the same relief. The bench noted that the accused had spent nearly 20 months in custody and that principles of parity applied in his case.
Background of the Pune Crash
The case stems from a tragic incident on May 19, 2024, in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, where a luxury car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old rammed into two IT professionals, leading to their deaths. The crash drew nationwide attention after reports surfaced that the minor driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Allegations of Evidence Manipulation
Investigators later uncovered claims that attempts were made to alter medical evidence. According to the prosecution, certain individuals were involved in swapping blood samples of the minors with those of their guardians to shield them from legal consequences. This development significantly widened the scope of the probe, bringing parents, intermediaries and medical staff under scrutiny.
Also Read: Supreme Court Grants Bail to Three in Pune Porsche Blood Sample Tampering Case
Earlier Bail Orders and Court Observations
Earlier this month, the apex court granted bail to three other accused in the same case, noting their extended time in custody. During those hearings, the court remarked on the responsibility of parents in monitoring their children’s conduct, particularly in incidents involving juveniles and serious offences.
The Bombay High Court had previously rejected bail pleas of multiple accused, prompting appeals before the Supreme Court. The Maharashtra government had been directed to respond to several of these petitions before the recent relief was granted.
Juvenile Proceedings and Public Reaction
The case also sparked debate over the functioning of the Juvenile Justice system. The Juvenile Justice Board initially granted bail to the minor with certain conditions, which led to widespread public criticism. The order was later revised, and the minor was placed in an observation home before being released following further court proceedings.
Ongoing Legal Process
While the minor accused is currently out of custody, as of now, around 10 accused, including parents of the juvenile driver, hospital staff and others linked to the alleged blood sample tampering, remain subject to ongoing legal proceedings and trial stages in the case The investigation remains ongoing, with trial stages expected to determine individual accountability in one of Pune’s most closely watched criminal cases in recent years.
