One Year On: Families Await Justice in Pune Porsche Crash That Killed Two Techies

PUNE, May 19 — A year after a fatal car crash in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar claimed the lives of two young software engineers, Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa, families of the victims continue to grapple with grief and the slow pace of justice.

The high-profile case drew national outrage after it was revealed that a 17-year-old, allegedly intoxicated, was behind the wheel of a Porsche that struck the duo’s two-wheeler at high speed around 2:30 a.m. on May 19, 2024. The car bore no registration plates and was reportedly returning from a night of partying at two hotels.

Controversial Bail and Public Outcry​

The juvenile, initially granted bail within hours by Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) member L N Danavade, was only asked to write a 300-word essay on road safety. The leniency sparked massive backlash, prompting a police review. He was later sent to an observation home, but the Bombay High Court eventually ordered his release.

Sample Tampering and Chain of Arrests​

The investigation quickly escalated into a broader criminal conspiracy when police uncovered an alleged blood sample swap to hide the minor's intoxication. According to police, his blood samples were replaced with those of his mother at Pune’s Sassoon General Hospital.

The police have since arrested:

• The juvenile’s father, a prominent developer
• Dr. Ajay Taware, then head of Forensic Science at Sassoon
• Dr. Shreehari Halnor, hospital staffer Atul Ghatkamble
• Middlemen Bashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad
• Associates Aditya Avinash Sood, Ashish Mittal, and Arun Kumar Singh

Only the juvenile’s mother has secured interim bail; the others remain in custody after their bail pleas were rejected by the sessions court.

Families Struggle with Grief and Delay​

Om Awadhiya, father of Anish, voiced his anguish:

“A year has passed, but the trial is being stretched. Our son is no longer with us; nothing can compensate for that loss, but justice in this case would send a strong message against drunk driving and those who believe money and power put them above the law.”

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Both families have appealed to authorities to fast-track the trial, expressing frustration over delayed legal proceedings despite initial assurances.

Prosecution: Not Just an Accident​

Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray emphasized the gravity of the case:

“This is not a simple accident. The accused tampered with evidence to mislead the judiciary. Thanks to our strong opposition, none of them except the boy’s mother have been granted bail.”

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He added that a discharge application filed by Dr. Taware is currently delaying the framing of charges. The prosecution's immediate priority is to tackle the discharge plea and move toward trial.

Police: “A Professional and Watertight Case”​

Despite initial lapses, including alleged preferential treatment shown to the minor at Yerawada police station, which led to the suspension of two police officers, a senior official claimed the ongoing investigation is professional and robust.

Police also said the blood samples of the two other minors in the Porsche were tampered with, and their fathers were also arrested in connection with the cover-up. In parallel, cases were filed against two hotels for serving liquor to underage individuals.

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As the first anniversary of the crash brings the tragedy back into focus, the bereaved families continue to demand swift justice. Their appeal resonates beyond Pune — as a reminder of the pressing need for accountability and reform when privilege and power collide with the rule of law.