The swift grant of bail to the 17-year-old involved in the tragic Pune car accident, which claimed the lives of two individuals, has sparked widespread outrage, compounded by allegations that the teenager received preferential treatment while in police custody. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the teenager's purportedly lavish treatment, claiming that he was served pizza, burgers, and biryani at the police station following his detention.
Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure from the Shiv Sena (UBT), has demanded the dismissal of Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, alleging that the teenager was aided by influential individuals associated with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP faction. Raut expressed indignation over the perceived leniency shown towards the affluent teenager, accusing the authorities of facilitating his comfort despite the severity of his actions.
Echoing Raut's sentiments, Maharashtra Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the handling of the case at the Yerwada Police Station, where the teenager was held, suggesting that the law enforcement system had been compromised. Dhangekar likened the situation to the infamous Salman Khan hit-and-run case, highlighting discrepancies in the initial response to the incident and subsequent investigation.
In response to these allegations, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar assured that strict action would be taken if any officer was found to have provided undue assistance to the accused. However, he refuted claims of preferential treatment, asserting that the police had been vigilant since the incident occurred.
The teenager, granted bail under certain conditions, including the requirement to compose an essay on the impact of road accidents, faces ongoing scrutiny. Despite his release, the police are pursuing legal avenues to try him as an adult, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him.
Meanwhile, the father of the accused, who was previously evading authorities, has been apprehended, along with the proprietors of the bars frequented by the teenager before the collision. The families of the victims have expressed frustration over perceived inaction by the Maharashtra Police, demanding justice for their loved ones.
