Pune car crash: Panel recommends action against JJB members for 'lapses' in granting bail

Mumbai: A panel of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Maharashtra government has recommended action against two Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) members for "procedural lapses" in granting bail to the minor accused in the Pune Porsche crash case.
"We have submitted our final report to the Maharashtra government after due investigation and replies over show cause notices given to members of JJB with recommendations that disciplinary action may be taken against the two members of JJB (appointed by the state) for procedural lapses," Prashant Narnaware, the Women and Child Development Commissioner said.
The case pertains to the May 19 incident. A Porsche car, allegedly driven by a minor in an inebriated condition, hit two IT professionals, killing them at Kalyani Nagar area in Pune.
There was a nationwide uproar after JJB granted bail to the accused on very lenient terms, including writing a 300-word essay on road safety.
The uproar caused the Women and Child Development Department to form a panel to investigate the conduct of JJB members in giving bail to minors.
As part of his bail conditions, the minor was required to submit an essay on road safety, highlighting the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of reckless behaviour.
Earlier this month, the 17-year-old minor accused submitted the 300-word essay on road safety as part of his bail conditions.
The minor was released from an observation home last month after the Bombay High Court ruled that his remand orders were illegal. The incident took place on May 19 at 2.30 am in Pune's Kalyani Nagar, where the minor, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drove a Porsche car into a two-wheeler, resulting in the deaths of two software engineers.
Notably, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar had assured on June 26 that legal action would be taken against all the accused involved in the Pune car accident.
"As far as the case is concerned, the investigation is being done as per the evidence which is received. We will ensure that legal action is taken against all," Kumar had told ANI.
On June 21, the Pune district court granted bail to Vishal Agarwal, the father of the accused teenager, in the primary case where he was booked under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.