Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced on Monday that doctors at Sassoon General Hospital were involved in tampering with the blood sample of a teenage driver accused in the fatal Pune Porsche accident case. The incident, which occurred on May 19, claimed the lives of two IT professionals and led to the arrest of several individuals, including the doctors.
Dr. Ajay Taware, head of the forensics department at Sassoon Hospital, and Dr. Shrihari Harnor, the hospital’s chief medical officer, were arrested for allegedly switching the blood sample of the teen driver, who was reportedly intoxicated, with that of another person who had not consumed alcohol. The original blood sample was discarded in a dustbin.
On the morning of May 19, the teenager, allegedly drunk, crashed a speeding Porsche into a motorcycle, killing two IT professionals. The Juvenile Justice Board initially granted the teen bail and asked him to write an essay on road safety. However, following public outrage, a police review application resulted in his detention at an observation home until June 5.
Further complicating the case, the police arrested the teenager’s father and grandfather, who allegedly pressured the family driver to falsely confess to driving the Porsche. The driver was reportedly confined and coerced with both threats and financial incentives to take the blame. Surendra Agarwal, the grandfather, was arrested for illegally detaining the driver, while the teen’s father faces charges in a related case.
The police have added charges of forgery, destruction of evidence, and conspiracy against the accused. Commissioner Kumar detailed that the doctors replaced the teen’s blood sample on instructions from Dr. Ajay Taware. Both doctors have been detained and will be presented in court for police custody remand.
The crime branch is actively investigating the case, with the police aiming to ensure accountability for the tragedy and the subsequent attempts to obstruct justice. The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the need for stringent measures against tampering with evidence and ensuring justice for the victims.
