Taking serious note of a hit-and-run case in Pune, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, arrived directly at the Pune Police Commissionerate on Tuesday to review the situation. Emphasising the gravity of the incident, he warned that no one would be spared. Fadnavis also appealed to parents to ensure that freedom does not turn into lawlessness.
In the meeting, Fadnavis reviewed the investigation conducted so far, the subsequent actions planned, and the preventive measures to be taken to avoid such incidents in the future. Speaking to reporters afterward, he mentioned that the police have applied Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code in this case, instead of 304A, thus adopting a stringent stance from the beginning.
The accused in the case is a 17-year-old boy. However, according to the amendments made in laws following the 2012 Nirbhaya case, a minor involved in a serious crime can be tried as an adult. The police mentioned this in their initial report, but the Juvenile Justice Board did not consider this stance, opting for orders focused on social reform, which led to public outrage.
The police promptly appealed to a higher court, which took cognisance of the matter. As per the law, if there is a need to reconsider an order from the Juvenile Justice Board, it must first be brought before the same court, and if reconsideration is denied, an appeal can be made to a higher court. “Consequently, this procedure is being followed, and given the stance of the higher court, we are confident that the Juvenile Justice Board will reconsider its order,” said Fadnavis. “No one has the right to drink, drive an unregistered vehicle, and endanger lives. Justice will undoubtedly be served in this case. Orders have been given to inspect whether bars adhere to the conditions of their licenses, and those not complying will be shut down. Additionally, strict adherence to verifying age and identity before granting entry to bars has been mandated. Regular anti-drunk driving campaigns with checkpoints will be conducted. Parents must ensure that freedom does not turn into lawlessness. Further action in this case will be taken as per the next order from the Juvenile Justice Board.”
The deputy CM also stated that if any police personnel are found to have acted improperly, they will be dismissed after reviewing CCTV footage.
The businessman father of the juvenile accused was arrested by the Pune crime branch and Sambhajinagar police in a joint operation. He had gone into hiding immediately after the incident. In the joint action, Pune crime branch and Sambhajinagar police arrested him, his driver, and another person from a hotel in the city.
Early on Tuesday morning, the Pune crime branch raided the hotel where the father was hiding and arrested him. He will next be produced in a Pune court. Following an order from deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to expedite the investigation, Pune police have made significant progress. In the past 24 hours, they have arrested seven accused related to this case under different sections of the IPC. The police have also arrested the owner of the pub that served alcohol to the minor, flouting norms.
Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website
Comments
0 comment