Prosecution Opposes Bail in Pune Porsche Crash Case, Alleges Evidence Tampering

The prosecution has opposed the bail pleas of six accused in the May 19 Pune Porsche accident, alleging they tampered with evidence. Among the accused are the minor's parents and medical professionals. Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray argues that their actions undermine the judicial system and the victims' right to justice.

The prosecution has opposed the bail pleas of six accused in the May 19 Pune Porsche car accident case, alleging they tampered with evidence. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Shishir Hiray argued on Thursday before Additional Sessions Judge UM Mudholkar that the accused, including the parents of the juvenile, medical professionals, and middlemen, acted in connivance.

The case relates to an incident on May 19 where a Porsche, allegedly driven by an inebriated minor, struck two IT professionals, killing them in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area. Hiray cited a Supreme Court judgement cancelling the bail of former Uttar Pradesh minister Amarmani Tripathi in a murder case, asserting that the accused would tamper with evidence if released on bail.

Hiray emphasized that tampering with evidence hampers the victims' right to justice and undermines the judicial system. He said, "The accused took the entire system in their hands and tampered with key evidence crucial to judicial proceedings, akin to the Amarmani Tripathi vs. CBI case."

Furthermore, the prosecution refuted the defence's argument to segregate IPC Section 304, stating it was not appropriate at this stage. Hiray also dismissed claims of a media trial influencing arrests, asserting that the investigation is being conducted professionally. The SPP informed the court that the Porsche was recorded travelling at 110 km/h after the airbags deployed, suggesting it was going even faster before impact.

The six accused, including the juvenile's parents Vishal and Shivani Agarwal, as well as Ajay Taware, Shreehari Halnor, Ashpak Makandar, and Amar Gaikwad, are currently being heard in court. Prosecution arguments will continue on Friday. Pune police have filed a 900-page chargesheet against the seven accused, including those seeking bail.

The case against the minor is ongoing before the Juvenile Justice Board. Pune's crime branch registered a case against the minor's parents and doctors from Sassoon Hospital, alleging a conspiracy to tamper with evidence and manipulate the blood sample. Nationwide outrage followed the JJB's lenient bail terms for the minor, such as writing a 300-word essay on road safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)