Reported by Radhika Ramaswamy, Edited by Rohit Paul, Updated: May 29, 2024, 10:58 pm IST
New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reacted strongly to allegations made by activist Anjali Damania, who claimed that he exerted pressure on the Pune Police Commissioner following a tragic accident involving a 17-year-old boy driving a Porsche that resulted in the deaths of two young techies. Mr. Pawar has offered to undergo a narco test to prove his innocence and challenged the activist to take 'sanyas' (renunciation) if he is cleared of the accusations.
The Allegations and Pawar's Response
Anjali Damania alleged that Mr. Pawar called Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar after the accident to influence the investigation. Responding to this, Mr. Pawar admitted to calling the commissioner but insisted it was to ensure impartiality and to prevent any undue influence on the police.
"As a people's representative, we receive calls regarding such accidents. I had called the police commissioner and told him that the accused boy was from a wealthy family and there was a chance the police might be pressured. I told him not to succumb to any political pressure," Mr. Pawar stated, according to PTI.
When questioned about the activist's demand to check his phone records, Mr. Pawar retorted in Marathi, "I am ready for a narco test but, if I am cleared, you (Ms. Damania) should stay quiet at home and take 'sanyas'. Is she ready for that?"
The Accident and Subsequent Developments
On May 18, the 17-year-old son of a prominent Pune realtor, celebrating his Class 12 results, crashed a ₹2.5-crore Porsche into a scooter in Kalyani Nagar, killing two 24-year-old IT professionals. The teenager had been partying at two pubs and driving at a speed of at least 150 kmph.
The initial response to the accident saw the teenager being granted bail the same day, with a 300-word essay as a condition. However, following widespread outrage, he was sent to a remand home until June 5.
Controversies Involving Colleagues
Mr. Pawar's comments come amidst revelations involving other political figures. Dr. Vinayak Kale, the dean of Sassoon Hospital, where two doctors were arrested for allegedly tampering with the teenager's blood samples, claimed that a letter from Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif and MLA Sunil Tingre had requested one of the implicated doctors be made head of the forensics department. Dr. Kale was later placed on compulsory leave for failing to handle the case appropriately.
Mr. Tingre is also under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to influence police officials to be lenient with the case by visiting the police station where the teenager was detained.
Pawar's Position
Mr. Pawar has stressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of the law taking its course without any political interference.
As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding political influence and accountability in high-profile cases.