Vishal Agarwal : “Pune Porsche Accident: Lawyer Demands Proof of Father’s Knowledge”

In the recent Pune drink-driving case that resulted in the tragic deaths of two software engineers, the arrest of the father has raised questions about the strength of the evidence against him, according to the lawyer representing the teenage driver.

Advocate Prashant Patil, who is defending the 17-year-old accused, expressed skepticism about the father’s arrest, emphasizing the need for concrete proof that he was aware of his son’s actions. Patil also raised concerns about the applicability of the charges laid against the father by the police.

The father, identified as Vishal Agarwal, a real estate developer, was taken into custody following the fatal incident involving his son, who was driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

According to police reports, the juvenile driver was speeding at 250 kmph when his Porsche collided with the motorcycle carrying the two victims, resulting in their immediate death. Additionally, three restaurant executives were also arrested for serving alcohol to the underage driver.

The teenage driver was granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board, but was ordered to complete a series of corrective actions, including working with traffic police, undergoing counselling, and addressing his alcohol addiction. Despite efforts to try the minor as an adult, Patil argued that holding the father morally responsible based on speculation is insufficient.

Patil highlighted the importance of concrete evidence in criminal proceedings, emphasizing the necessity of proving the father’s knowledge and involvement in his son’s actions. He pointed out that the charges laid against the father under the Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant laws may not directly relate to the case.

Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act pertains to neglect or exposing a child to harm, while Section 77 deals with supplying intoxicating substances to minors. Patil raised doubts about the relevance of these sections in the context of the case.

Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that the father would appear in court for further proceedings. The FIR alleges that the father knowingly allowed his unlicensed son to drive the car, endangering his life and the lives of others.

The lenient bail conditions granted to the teenage driver sparked outrage among the victims’ families, with calls for stricter punishment. Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed shock over the bail decision and advocated for trying the teenager as an adult.

Fadnavis criticised the JJB’s decision and supported the police’s efforts to challenge the ruling in a higher court. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in the case.

The concerns raised by the victims’ families and the public outcry have prompted discussions about enforcing stricter regulations in establishments serving alcohol and tackling underage drinking and driving.

The parents of the deceased victims have demanded severe punishment for the teenage driver and his parents, holding them accountable for the tragic loss of their children.

The heartbreaking impact of the accident was felt deeply by the families, who had envisioned a joyful future for their loved ones. The victims, Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, were vibrant young individuals with promising futures ahead of them.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and underage drinking. The authorities have been urged to take decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the legal proceedings unfold and investigations continue, the community remains united in mourning the loss of two bright souls taken too soon.