The aftermath of the tragic Pune Porsche Car Accident continues to unfold, with significant developments in the accountability process. Two members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pune have been removed from their positions following an inquiry into the controversial bail granted to the minor accused in the case. This action comes after a state government probe revealed “procedural lapses, misconduct, and non-compliance with norms” in their handling of the sensitive case.
The Maharashtra government officially terminated the services of L.N. Danwade and Kavita Thorat, the two JJB members, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. This decision, announced on Thursday, October 10, follows a detailed investigation initiated by the State Women and Child Development (WCD) Department. The probe was prompted by widespread public outrage and scrutiny over the initial lenient bail conditions given to the 17-year-old, who allegedly caused the fatal accident while driving under the influence.
Commissioner of the WCD Department, Prashant Narnavare, confirmed to PTI that he had submitted the probe panel’s report to the state government in July, recommending the termination of the two members. “The State Government on Tuesday (October 8, 2024) terminated the appointment of both the members as they were found guilty of misusing their powers, which have been provided under the Juvenile Justice Act,” Narnavare stated, highlighting the severity of the findings.
A government notification issued on October 8 explicitly stated that the inquiry found Mr. Danwade and Ms. Thorat guilty of “misusing their powers” as defined under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act-2015. The government deemed it necessary to terminate their appointments to uphold the integrity of the juvenile justice system.
The Pune Porsche car accident occurred on May 19 in the Kalyani Nagar area of Pune. Two IT professionals tragically lost their lives when their motorcycle was struck by a speeding Porsche, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of a prominent builder. The incident sparked national condemnation, particularly after JJB member Danwade granted bail to the accused under conditions considered remarkably lenient. These conditions included writing a mere 300-word essay on road safety, a move that was widely criticized as insufficient and insensitive given the gravity of the offense.
In response to the public outcry and perceived mishandling of the case, the WCD Department established a committee to investigate the conduct of the two JJB members regarding the bail granted to the minor accused in the Pune Porsche car crash. The committee’s investigation focused on “procedural lapses, misconduct and non-compliance with norms” allegedly committed by the JJB members.
During the probe, the committee recorded statements from both Mr. Danwade and Ms. Thorat. The final report detailed procedural lapses and ultimately recommended action against them. Following the report’s submission, show-cause notices were issued to the JJB members, seeking explanations for their actions. However, their responses were deemed unsatisfactory, leading the WCD Department to propose disciplinary action to the state government, culminating in their termination.
This decisive action by the Maharashtra government underscores the seriousness with which authorities are now addressing the Pune Porsche car accident case and the critical importance of adhering to due process within the juvenile justice system. The removal of the JJB members signals a move towards greater accountability and aims to restore public trust in the handling of such sensitive cases involving minors and serious offenses. The focus now shifts to the ongoing legal proceedings against the minor accused and ensuring justice for the victims and their families in this deeply unfortunate Pune Porsche car accident.
