Pune Porsche crash top updates: Congress says MLA's son is involved; teen's blood sample was replaced

The Pune Porsche crash incident has sparked national outrage as it cut short the lives of two IT professionals. The Porsche, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old in an inebriated state, ran over the two in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area on May 19.

Maharashtra Congress has alleged that the son of a Maharashtra MLA was involved in the crash and that efforts were made to cover up the incident.

Here are the top updates inPune Porsche crash:

- Congress alleges cover-up

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole reportedly claimed that the son of an MLA from the state was involved in the tragic incident and used his influence to protect his son later. He also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. "The CBI must investigate the car crash case as there seems to be political interference to save the rich accused," Patole said.

- Demand for Deputy CM's resignation

Patole called for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step down after alleging his involvement in the cover-up. "Devendra Fadnavis used his lawyer's degree to save the accused. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should give clarity in the case and the role of Fadnavis is also doubtful, he should resign," he added.

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- Teen was then sent to observation home

The fatal crash resulted in the deaths of Ashwini Kostha and Anish Awadhiya, both 24. The Juvenile Justice Board initially granted bail to the teenager, sparking outrage, but later sent him to an observation home until June 5.

- Manipulation of blood sample

Two doctors and a peon from Sassoon General Hospital were arrested for allegedly tampering with the blood test report of the accused. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said that the blood sample taken was not of the juvenile accused. "This means the sample was replaced," Kumar stated. Pune police have invoked charges againsttwo doctors and a staffer of the said hospital under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

- Financial transactions

Police searched properties linked to Dr Ajay Taware,a Casualty Medical Officer Dr Shrihari Halnor and hospital morgue workerAtul Ghatkamble. They found Rs 2,50,000 ($3000) from Halnor and Rs 50,000 ($600) from Ghatkamble. “The amounts recovered from Halnor and Ghatkamble are believed to be the cuts they received. But the key focus of the investigation is now the financial transactions of Dr Taware, how much he received or was promised and by whom,” a senior police officer reportedly said.

- Details of the manipulation

According to the police, the blood sample taken from the teenager was discarded and replaced with another person's sample. "Around 11 am on May 19, a blood sample (of the teen) that was taken at Sassoon Hospital was thrown in thedustbin," Kumar said.

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- Allegations of similar 'cover-ups'

Patole alleged systemic issues with crime in Maharashtra and cited other cases of privileged individuals receiving bail swiftly. "Such incidents have been reported in Nagpur, Jalgaon and Pune," he said while criticising the government's role in these matters.

- Hospital's forensic department head spoke to teen's father 14 times

The head of the forensic medicine department at the Sassoon Hospital, Dr Ajay Taware held 14 phone conversations with the father of the accused teen Vishal Agarwal. There are suspicions that the conversations were in connection to the 'change of blood sample'.

- Additional arrests

The investigation also led to the arrest of the teen's father and grandfather, accused of trying to influence the legal process. Staff from the bars the teen visited that night were also arrested.The grandfather was arrested following allegations from the family's driver, who claimed he was confined at the family's home and was given threats to take the blame for the accident.

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- Outrage and demands

The families of the victims have called for stringent punishment, describing the incident as "murder, not accident." The police have requested permission to try the teen as an adult, given the severity of the case.

The demand for a thorough and impartial investigation continues to gain momentum amid public outcry over the alleged influence of powerful individuals in criminal investigations.However, a probe is still on in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)