Pune Porsche crash case: Pune police have invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act against doctors involved in the alleged manipulation of blood samples in a case concerning a Porsche crash. The crash, involving a 17-year-old driver, resulted in two fatalities. The sessions court has granted a police request to extend the custody of two doctors and a Sassoon General Hospital employee until June 5. The individuals, Dr. Ajay Taware, Dr. Shrihari Halnor, and Atul Ghatkamble, are accused of swapping the juvenile's blood samples with those of a woman to show he was not intoxicated during the accident.
Blood sample swap
Police informed the court that the blood samples of the juvenile were replaced with those of a woman, reportedly the juvenile's mother, according to a government source. The police aim to identify the woman whose blood was used and recover the original samples handed over by Dr. Halnor.
Retired bureaucrat appeals to MHRC
Retired IAS officer Arun Bhatia has written to the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission (MHRC) requesting the immediate transfer of Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. This appeal is in response to the alleged mishandling of the May 19 Porsche car accident, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
Allegations of corruption and evidence tampering
In his letter, Bhatia described the incident as a "vulgar, primitive and frightening exhibition of police corruption." He accused top-level administration officials of engaging in activities to destroy evidence and protect the driver responsible for the fatalities.
Concerns over governance and democracy
Bhatia emphasised the broader implications of this case, stating that it has increased public insecurity and exposed deep-seated corruption within the governance system. He highlighted that corrupt practices have become pervasive and institutionalized, leaving ordinary citizens defenseless against such systemic adversaries.
Collusion among police and medical officials
Bhatia alleged collusion between police officials and senior doctors, including the Chief Medical Officer of Sassoon Hospital in Pune. He claimed that these officials delayed and tampered with the blood sample testing for alcohol consumption, and facilitated the creation of a false defense for the accused.
Demand for accountability and transfer
The retired bureaucrat urged the MHRC to hold senior officials accountable for the actions of their subordinates. He stressed that without such accountability, systemic corruption would persist. Bhatia specifically called for the immediate transfer of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and an investigation into his conduct.
Questioning medical appointments
Bhatia also questioned the appointment of the Chief Medical Officer, alleging that it was influenced by political recommendations. He called for an investigation into this appointment and appropriate punishment for the Health Secretary.
Details of the incident
The tragic accident occurred in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar, Pune, when a Porsche allegedly driven by a drunk minor collided with a two-wheeler, killing two IT professionals. The minor has been sent to an observation home, while his father, realtor Vishal Agarwal, and grandfather, Surendra Agarwal, have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping the family's driver and pressuring him to take the blame.
Bhatia's letter to the MHRC underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within the police and medical systems to restore public trust and ensure justice.
Also read | Porsche accident: Maharashtra govt suspends two doctors of Pune hospital, accused of swapping blood samples
