Over a year after a deadly car crash in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar killed two young software professionals, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has declined to allow the accused—now an adult—to be tried under regular criminal law. The board ruled that the 17-year-old, who was underage at the time of the incident, will continue to face proceedings as a juvenile.

The decision came as a major setback to Pune Police, who had petitioned the board to treat the boy as an adult due to the seriousness of the charges. They pointed to the loss of life, the driver’s alleged intoxication, and attempts to obstruct justice. Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray stated, “Both offences are punishable by over 10 years and are categorised as heinous under the Juvenile Justice Act. The CCL knows the consequences and must face trial as an adult.”

The crash occurred in the early morning hours of May 19, 2024, when the teenager—celebrating his exam results—was allegedly drunk-driving a high-end Porsche owned by his father. He collided with a two-wheeler carrying Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, both 24 and working in the IT sector. Neither survived the crash.

Soon after, controversy erupted over how the case was handled. The boy was granted bail just hours later under seemingly lenient conditions, including writing a 300-word essay on road safety. The public backlash was immediate, prompting authorities to move him to a state-run observation home three days later.

Meanwhile, police and medical officials involved in the case faced serious allegations. It was later revealed that blood samples meant to test for alcohol had been switched with those of his mother. She was accused of paying Rs 3 lakh to facilitate the substitution and was later arrested before being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in April.

The defense pushed back strongly against calls for an adult trial. Advocate Prashant Patil argued that the juvenile system was designed for reform, not punishment. He maintained that, “The board must consider the child’s potential for reform. Trying him as an adult would go against the spirit of juvenile justice.”

Adding to public outrage were reports that police officers at the scene gave the boy food—specifically burgers—immediately after the crash, a move seen as an attempt to interfere with blood alcohol testing. Furthermore, they allegedly failed to follow protocol by not informing senior officials.

Later, when the Juvenile Justice Board ordered the teenager into state custody, the Bombay High Court intervened. On June 25, 2024, it ruled the detention was not in accordance with the law and ordered his immediate release, reinforcing that juvenile protections must be upheld.

Anish Awadhiya’s father, Om Awadhiya, who resides in Madhya Pradesh, expressed deep sorrow at the outcome. “Our son is no longer with us; nothing can compensate for that loss, but justice would send a strong message against drunk driving and those who believe money and power put them above the law,” he said. He added, “This entire year has been painful for me, my wife, and our whole family. Not a single day goes by without us remembering him and cherishing his beautiful memories.”

Legal proceedings are ongoing against ten other individuals, including the teenager’s father, doctors Ajay Taware and Shrihari Halnor from Sassoon Hospital, and other hospital staff and middlemen. They face charges related to tampering with evidence to protect the boy from prosecution.

The teenager remains at home with his family, shielded from trial as an adult, following the JJB’s final decision.