One Year After Pune Porsche Crash, Victims’ Families Still Await Justice

A year after the tragic Pune Porsche crash that killed two techies, the families of the victims continue to wait for justice. Here’s the full timeline, latest updates, and what’s delaying the trial.

Pune, May 19, 2025 — One year has passed since the horrific Pune Porsche crash shook the nation, but the families of victims Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa are still trapped in a cycle of grief, legal delays, and unanswered questions.

In the early hours of May 19, 2024, a high-speed Porsche allegedly driven by an inebriated 17-year-old rammed into a two-wheeler in Pune’s upscale Kalyani Nagar, killing software professionals Awadhiya and Costa on the spot. The incident sparked national outrage, especially after it emerged that the minor—reportedly under the influence of alcohol—was released on lenient bail conditions, including writing a 300-word essay on road safety.

The Bail That Sparked a Storm

Initially granted bail just hours after the crash by a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) member, the decision was widely criticized for undermining the seriousness of the crime. Under public pressure, Pune police sought a review, following which the minor was sent to an observation home. However, the Bombay High Court later ordered his release.

Alleged Evidence Tampering and Key Arrests

As the investigation deepened, Pune police uncovered a shocking twist: the minor’s blood samples were allegedly swapped with those of his mother to hide evidence of intoxication. This led to the arrest of several individuals, including:

• The juvenile’s father (a real estate developer)
• Dr. Ajay Taware and Dr. Shrihari Halnor from Sassoon General Hospital
• Hospital staffer Atul Ghatkamble
• Middlemen Bashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad
• Additional associates including Aditya Avinash Sood, Ashish Mittal, and Arun Kumar Singh

Except for the juvenile’s mother, who is out on interim bail, all accused remain in jail. The sessions court has rejected multiple bail pleas, citing tampering of critical forensic evidence.

A Father’s Cry for Justice

Om Awadhiya, father of the deceased Anish Awadhiya, expressed deep anguish over the delayed trial.

“Our son is gone. Nothing can bring him back. But justice will set a precedent. Drunk driving should never be taken lightly, no matter who is behind the wheel,” he said.

Speaking from Madhya Pradesh, Om said his family relives the trauma every day.

“Every single day, we remember Anish’s smile, his dreams. Our world ended that night,” he added.

Both families have made repeated appeals to expedite the judicial process, hoping to see swift justice in what they call a “case of privilege shielding crime.”

Where the Case Stands Now

According to Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray, delays stem from a discharge application filed by one of the main accused, Dr. Taware. Until the court rules on this application, charges cannot be officially framed, stalling the trial.

“This is not a routine accident. It’s a case where the system was manipulated—blood samples were swapped, evidence was tampered with. Our priority is to make the case airtight,” Hiray said.

He confirmed that police and prosecution teams are now focusing on framing charges and preparing for a fast-tracked trial.

The Night That Changed Everything

According to police, around 2:30 AM on that fateful night, the juvenile—after consuming alcohol at two upscale hotels—took the wheel of the unregistered Porsche. He was accompanied by two minor friends and the car’s driver. While returning from a party, he rammed into the bike carrying Awadhiya and Costa, killing both.

The two hotels that served alcohol to the underage group are also under investigation. Cases have been registered under laws pertaining to serving alcohol to minors.

Police: “No Preferential Treatment Now”

A senior police official stated that, except for lapses on the first day, the rest of the investigation has been conducted with integrity and focus.

“Two police officers from Yerawada station were suspended for mishandling the early hours of the probe. Since then, we’ve worked to ensure justice is served,” the official said.

Public Outcry and Legal Ramifications

The case sparked national debates around underage drinking, VIP treatment in accidents, and accountability in India’s judicial system. As the trial now inches forward, the victims’ families and civil society continue to watch closely.

A Long Road to Justice

One year after the Pune Porsche crash, the victims’ families are still waiting—not just for closure, but for accountability. Their demand is simple yet powerful: justice should not be delayed because of influence, power, or wealth.

As the courtroom battle unfolds, this tragic case stands as a grim reminder that the fight for justice in India often requires not just patience, but relentless persistence.