The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Shivani Agarwal, mother of the minor accused in the high-profile Pune Porsche car accident case that occurred on May 19, 2023. The incident involved a Porsche car allegedly driven by the minor under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the tragic death of two IT professionals in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area.
The Pune Porsche accident shook the city and the nation, as the minor driver was reportedly driving at a speed exceeding 200 km/h when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle, killing the two riders. The case drew widespread attention due to the involvement of the minor, the alleged tampering of evidence, and the role of the accused’s parents and medical professionals in the aftermath.
The prosecution had accused Shivani Agarwal, along with her husband Vishal Agarwal and others, of conspiring to tamper with evidence by replacing the minor’s blood sample with Shivani’s to mask the presence of alcohol. This led to multiple arrests and a 900-page chargesheet filed by Pune Police against seven accused, including Shivani.
Shivani Agarwal’s bail plea was initially rejected by the Pune sessions court, citing serious concerns over evidence tampering and the gravity of the offence. The prosecution strongly opposed bail, arguing that releasing the accused could lead to further manipulation of evidence and pressure on witnesses.
However, after extensive legal arguments and considering the completion of investigations, the Supreme Court granted bail to Shivani Agarwal. The court noted that no further evidence remained to be recovered from her and that her continued custody was not necessary for the investigation.
The case has been a subject of intense media scrutiny and public debate, especially regarding the handling of juvenile offenders and the accountability of guardians. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Shivani Agarwal has been viewed as a significant development, balancing the rights of the accused with the need for justice for the victims.
The prosecution continues to pursue the case against all accused, including the minor before the Juvenile Justice Board. The court has emphasized the importance of a fair trial and the protection of victims’ rights while ensuring due process.
With Shivani Agarwal out on bail, the trial proceedings are ongoing. The Pune Police and prosecution remain vigilant to prevent any interference with the judicial process. The case continues to highlight the challenges in handling high-profile accidents involving minors and alleged evidence tampering.
