“Will spare no one”: Eknath Shinde’s initial comments on Pune Porsche case
PTC News Desk: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has broken his silence on the Pune Porsche accident, which has provoked national indignation and a political storm. He stated that he has been in contact with the Pune police commissioner since the beginning and that everyone is entitled to the same protections under the law.
Mr. Shinde’s remarks on Tuesday were made shortly after Nana Patole, the president of the Congress for Maharashtra, sought the resignation of the chief minister and his deputies, alleging a connection between the state’s powerful and wealthy citizens, the police, and politicians.
Mr. Shinde stated in Hindi in response to a question regarding the alleged preferential treatment granted to the 17-year-old son of a well-known Pune builder: “I have been in touch with the Pune police commissioner since day one.” I have stated from the start that there should be no discrimination, regardless of the person’s level of influence. The law applies to everyone equally, regardless of wealth or poverty, and no one will be exempt. Strict action has been ordered by me.”
“There are also children among the two deceased individuals. In this situation, strict measures would be taken against all those found culpable. Their background will be investigated as well. The chief minister stated, “I have personally instructed the police commissioner to spare no one, be it a physician or anyone else.”
Mr. Shinde was alluding to the Sasoon Hospital’s Drs. Ajay Tawade and Hari Harnor’s arrest by the Pune Crime Branch for reportedly substituting a doctor’s blood sample for the adolescent’s. Atul Ghatkamble, a peon who served as an intermediary and purportedly took the ₹ 3 lakh bribe intended for the two physicians from the realtor’s family, was also taken into custody.
False Claims
Congresswoman Nana Patole had said earlier on Tuesday that the legislator participated in the cover-up and that the son of an MLA was also engaged in the disaster. He added that the legislator had spoken to the medics and the police following the collision, asking them to exchange the blood sample, without naming the MLA.
Early on May 19, news surfaced that Sunil Tingre, an NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) MLA from Vadgaonsheri, had visited the Yerwada police station, where the adolescent had been taken following the accident.
Responding to a question concerning Mr. Tingre, Mr. Shinde stated, “Whoever is found guilty or involved will be prosecuted.”
The incident occurred early on May 19, when the youngster, celebrating his Class 12 results with companions in two Pune pubs, accidentally knocked down two 24-year-old IT professionals in the Kalyani Nagar neighborhood of Pune. Ashwini Koshta, riding in the passenger seat, was launched 20 feet into the air, while Aneesh Awadhiya, the rider, was launched skyward and collided with a parked automobile. They had perished instantly, both of them.
The adolescent, who was 17 years and 8 months old, was over seven years younger than Maharashtra’s legal drinking age and four months younger than the age required to drive. Within 15 hours of the accident, he was first given bail and required to submit a 300 word essay. He was then placed in a remand house until June 5 due to the widespread outcry this had caused. The grandfather and father of the adolescent are being held by the police.