Pune

In the latest development in the Pune Porsche hit and run case, two doctors have been arrested for allegedly manipulating the blood test report of the 17-year-old accused.

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The Pune Crime Branch has arrested Dr Ajay Tawade and Dr Hari Harnor of Sasoon Hospital. Dr Tawade is head of the forensic lab at the state-run hospital in Pune.

Also read: Pune Porsche Crash: Juvenile's grandfather arrested for 'forcing' driver to take blame

The phones of both doctors have been seized and the investigation has revealed Dr Tawade and the teen’s father spoke over the phone on the day of the accident, according to police sources. 

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Earlier, reports suggested that the Pune teenager, currently at an observation home, had tested negative for alcohol. However, CCTV footage from one of the bars he visited that night revealed him drinking with friends.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar earlier said, "This case does not revolve around an accident resulting from an alcohol-induced mistake where lives were lost. Our argument is that he was fully aware of his actions... attending parties at two bars, recklessly driving a car without a license plate on a narrow, crowded street. He was completely conscious of the potential fatal consequences of his behavior."

The teen belongs to a prominent realtor's family and it is alleged that his father and grandfather tried to influence the legal process to shield him. 

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Police arrest teen's grandfather

The police arrested Surendra Agarwal from his residence at 3 am after registering a new case with the Pune crime branch. This is the third FIR which has been filed in the Pune Porsche crash case.

Agarwal was earlier questioned by the Pune crime branch to know more about his son and grandson, and what conversations they had on the day of the accident. 

Also Read: Pune Porsche accident: Police say attempts were made to save teen by framing family driver, probe underway

The driver came to the scene after the juvenile's father Vishal Agarwal claimed that it was their family driver who was behind the wheel when the accident happened. 

He was also interrogated by the police after which Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed attempts were being made to frame the innocent family driver. 

Parents of deceased call for Supreme Court monitored probe

The parents of the two software engineers who died have demanded that the Supreme Court oversee the investigation and trial in the case. The families have also urged that the trial be conducted in Madhya Pradesh, where the victims were from, and not in Maharashtra.

Speaking to PTI, Ashwini's father, Suresh Kumar Koshta, said, "The Supreme Court should monitor the investigation and trial in the case to ensure that we get justice."

What happened

Ashwini Kostha and Anish Awadhiya, were on a bike when the Porsche hit them from behind. Both the engineers died on the spot. The 17-year-old boy (Accused) was granted bail within 15 hours of the accident.

Later the teen was arrested and produced before the court, where he was asked to write a 300-word essay on road accidents, told to work with traffic cops for 15 days and seek counselling for his drinking habit.

Also read | Pune Porsche crash: Mother of teen urges police protection for son after fake rap video goes viral

As the case came to limelight a nationwide outrage followed and the Juvenile Justice Board later modified its order, sending the boy to an observation home.

The police have urged the board for permission to try the accused teen -- aged 17 years and eight months -- as an adult. The matter is currently being examined. The families of the two engineers have said this is "murder, not accident" and have sought stringent punishment for the accused.

(With inputs from agencies)