The Pune crash that claimed the lives of Ashwini Koshta and Aneesh Awadhiya on May 19th has taken a dramatic turn. In a recent development, the accused 17-year-old driver, from a well-off background recently admitted to have been driving under the influence of alcohol during the accident while at the same time exposing more shocking graft allegations including an intricate graft web intended to safeguard him from justice.
Rumour has it that the teenager’s family have connections to the underworld with old ties in scrap metal and real estate business. Consequently, having this kind of a setup could have instilled a sense of entitlement, driving to flouting of traffic rules and eventually driving while drunk.
Despite being underage, the teenager and his friends were served alcohol at two establishments. The family, instead of intervening, allegedly allowed the teenager to drive the unregistered Porsche, further highlighting their disregard for safety and legal consequences.
A Web of Corruption Unraveled
The investigation has uncovered a series of disturbing attempts to manipulate the case:
- Police Lapses: Initial officers at the Yerwada police station allegedly failed to report the accident’s severity and applied weak charges against the juvenile.
- Political Influence: The teenager’s father reportedly contacted a politician with connections to the police station, raising questions about potential interference.
- Bribery in Healthcare: A doctor at Sassoon General Hospital, allegedly under pressure from a hospital official with political ties, swapped the teenager’s blood sample to conceal his intoxication.
Focus on Politician’s Role and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are now probing the politician’s role in potentially influencing the case and facilitating the blood sample tampering. This development has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.
Addressing Systemic Issues
The Pune crash exposes the dangers of unchecked privilege and the vulnerability of institutions to corruption. Stricter regulations for serving alcohol to minors, stronger enforcement of traffic laws, and robust internal controls within healthcare facilities are crucial to prevent similar tragedies.
Public Demands Change
The public outcry demands significant change. Stricter regulations for serving alcohol to minors, a robust system for investigating police misconduct, and stronger internal controls within healthcare facilities are just some of the essential steps needed to prevent similar tragedies.
