The Pune Porsche crash case has taken a dramatic turn with serious allegations of tampering involving blood samples. The prosecution claims that not only were the blood samples of the 17-year-old accused swapped, but those of his two friends were also altered at the government-run Sassoon hospital. This manipulation allegedly aimed to falsify the test results to show that the individuals were not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
The sessions court in Pune, which is currently hearing the bail applications of the six accused in this case, is examining the potential involvement of several individuals in this alleged conspiracy. Among those under scrutiny are the accused’s parents, Vishal and Shivani Agarwal, middlemen Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad, and doctors Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shreehari Halnor from Sassoon hospital.
The incident under review occurred on May 19, when the 17-year-old, driving a Porsche, allegedly struck and killed two 24-year-old IT professionals on a motorbike in Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Following the accident, the minor was detained in an observation home but was later released based on a high court order. However, the legal focus has shifted to the allegations surrounding the tampering of blood samples to hide the presence of alcohol.
Special prosecutor Shishir Hiray has presented a case alleging that Dr Halnor, despite his expertise in forensic medicine and the legal implications of his actions, replaced the blood samples of both the accused minor and his two friends. According to the prosecutor, this tampering was orchestrated with the assistance of the minor’s parents and Dr Taware, who allegedly received ₹2.5 lakh for their involvement.
The court has heard statements from a trainee doctor who was asked to collect blood samples from Shivani Agarwal. The prosecution claims that these samples were swapped with those of her son, the accused. As for the minor’s friends, the plan was reportedly to replace their blood with samples from their mothers. However, this was unsuccessful due to mismatched blood groups and the fact that one of the mothers had consumed alcohol.
The prosecution detailed that, instead of using cotton dipped in alcohol, the trainee doctors were instructed to use dry cotton to avoid any possible contamination. Additionally, a resident doctor testified that Dr Halnor had handed over ₹2.5 lakh to him, claiming it was payment for his services. Dr Halnor allegedly requested the doctor to keep the money in his cupboard, explaining that he would clarify the matter later.
Further complicating the case, an eyewitness at the scene reported that a crowd had gathered and pulled the minor driver out of his car, observing that he was unable to stand properly, a sign of intoxication. Despite this, a preliminary medical report issued by Dr Halnor later indicated no alcohol consumption.
The prosecution has argued that these actions were part of a deliberate effort to manipulate evidence and prevent the true nature of the minor’s condition from being revealed. Prosecutor Hiray, assisted by advocate Sarthi Pansare, is set to continue presenting evidence and arguments on Monday.
The ongoing case highlights the complexities and potential corruption involved in high-profile legal matters, as well as the broader implications for the involved parties and the legal system in Pune.