In the ongoing high-profile Pune Porsche crash case, the prosecution has begun arguments for framing charges against all 10 accused, presenting what it described as “conclusive & irrefutable” DNA evidence of blood sample tampering.
The case, involving a juvenile allegedly responsible for the fatal May 19, 2023 crash that killed two IT professionals, has garnered national attention due to the alleged attempt to manipulate evidence and mislead the judiciary.
Prosecution
Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Shishir Hiray told the court that the investigation revealed a deliberate and organized conspiracy to replace the blood sample of the intoxicated juvenile driver with that of his mother in order to falsify alcohol test results.
“The accused tampered with evidence to mislead the judiciary. All 10 accused, including the juvenile’s parents, are equally involved in the conspiracy,” Hiray said.
“Fraud was committed on the judiciary to protect the inebriated juvenile and his co-passengers from legal consequences.”
Who Are the Accused?
The list of accused includes:
- The juvenile’s father and mother
- Sassoon Hospital doctors Ajay Taware and Shrihari Halnor
- Hospital staffer Atul Ghatkamble
- Middlemen Bashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad
- Associates Aditya Avinash Sood, Ashish Mittal, and Arun Kumar Singh
While the juvenile’s mother is currently out on bail, the other nine remain in judicial custody.
Key Evidence: DNA Analysis, CCTV Footage, and Money Trails
In court, Hiray laid out a compelling array of evidence:
DNA tests: Proved that the juvenile’s blood was swapped with his mother’s. Similar manipulations were done for two co-passengers.
CCTV footage: Placed key accused at specific locations relevant to the conspiracy.
Money trail: Recovered to show financial transactions behind the sample swap.
Witness statements, handwriting analysis, and Test Identification Parade results were also submitted as supporting evidence.
“It is not necessary for all accused to be present at the same location for a conspiracy to be valid. Their shared intent is sufficient,” Hiray said, pressing for joint and individual charges under relevant sections of law.
Cover-Up Allegations & Public Outrage
The case triggered public outrage not just due to the fatal crash involving a luxury car and a minor, but also over the alleged attempt to derail justice by using influence, money, and institutional complicity.
The conspiracy came to light after police discovered irregularities in the blood samples and began tracing the chain of custody, eventually unearthing the wider plot involving hospital staff, middlemen, and the juvenile’s family.
What’s Next?
The court will next hear the defense’s arguments on charge framing on July 2. If charges are framed, the case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will attempt to prove a coordinated effort to protect the accused minor from the legal consequences of driving under the influence.
The outcome is expected to set a precedent on institutional accountability and the extent of legal responsibility in cases involving tampering of forensic evidence.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
