PUNE: The father of one of the victims in the 2024 Pune Porsche crash case has strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to the accused, alleging that the justice system is failing to deter crime. His remarks came after a viral video allegedly showed celebrations by members of the accused’s family.Reacting to the incident, Suresh Koshta, father of Ashwini—one of the deceased—expressed deep anguish, saying there is a growing lack of fear for the law and accountability. “It must be a practice in their society to kill two people and then celebrate. They are mocking the common citizens,” he told ANI.He also questioned the effectiveness of the justice system and criticised the legal provisions governing juveniles. “Law is mocking the common man because it is the law which grants them provisions to avoid punishment. If one is a juvenile, they can do anything,” Koshta said.Calling for stricter judicial action, he urged the Supreme Court to adopt a firmer stance to deter similar crimes in the future. “The Supreme Court should pass a judgment which would instil fear of law among the people. There is no fear of the law anymore. If one is awarded punishment by the high court , they are let go by the Supreme Court. This encourages crime,” he said.Koshta also made a controversial remark, suggesting the need for harsher punishments similar to those in some foreign legal systems. “Until laws like those in Muslim countries — blood for blood — are brought in India, nothing is going to improve,” he said. “How can this be reined in? How can a message be sent out if the law is not strict?” he asked.He also demanded the cancellation of bail for the accused and sought strict punishment for all those involved. “His bail should be revoked, and his parents should be jailed. If it comes before the Supreme Court, they should not be granted bail,” Koshta added.The remarks come after a viral video allegedly showed members of the accused Agarwal family celebrating after securing bail in the case, triggering widespread outrage on social media.In February, the Supreme Court granted bail to three accused in the Pune Porsche crash-related evidence tampering case, while imposing strict conditions, including a directive that they must not misuse their liberty.The case pertains to a May 2024 incident in Pune in which two people were killed after a Porsche, allegedly driven rashly and negligently by a juvenile, rammed into them. The investigation also includes allegations of tampering with blood samples to shield the accused, including claims that payments were made to alter medical evidence.During the hearing, the apex court observed that while the incident raised serious concerns about reckless behaviour and parental responsibility, continued detention of the accused at that stage would amount to a violation of personal liberty, given the circumstances of the case.(With agency inputs)
