After Fatal Porsche Crash, Pune Police Tighten Security; Crack Down on Drunk and Underage Driving
Pune, 19th May 2025: In response to the fatal Porsche crash in Kalyani Nagar last year, Pune Police launched an aggressive crackdown on drunk and underage driving. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has ordered immediate enforcement measures along with long-term strategies to enhance road safety and prevent similar incidents.
Following the accident, authorities swiftly took the minor driver into custody and registered cases against his parents, the bar owner, and liquor vendors under various legal provisions. The investigation is being fast-tracked under the Juvenile Justice Act’s special provisions.
To prevent further incidents, Commissioner Kumar has directed the installation of multiple check-posts across the city. These are particularly active during night hours as part of intensified “Drunk and Drive” campaigns. Real-time vehicle inspections are now routine, and citywide traffic is monitored via CCTV feeds from the police control room. Additionally, all police stations have been instructed to compile a dedicated database of underage drivers.
However, controversy erupted when the Pune Juvenile Justice Board, which initially granted bail to the minor—on the condition that he write a 300-word essay and assist traffic police—was dissolved by the Maharashtra government. Dismissed board members Dr. Laxman Nema Danawade and Kavita Tulshiram Thorat have challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court. The court has issued a notice to the Women and Child Development Department, with the next hearing set for 18 June.
Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), State Excise Department, and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) launched citywide raids on several bars. However, these efforts appear to have slowed in recent days, prompting concerns and demands for consistent vigilance.
Key Safety Measures Implemented:
Smart Patrolling System: Real-time tracking of police personnel and increased patrolling frequency.
E-challan System: Electronic issuance of fines for traffic rule violations.
CCTV Reorganization: Optimization of over 3,500 cameras at critical points—traffic junctions, school and college zones, bars, and VIP areas.
Special Squads: Formation of units focused on school zones and sensitive areas.
Monitoring Underage Drivers: Targeted action against minors illegally operating vehicles.
Parental Responsibility: Strong messaging and enforcement to hold parents accountable for minors’ actions.
Authorities stress that community cooperation, responsible parenting, and adherence to traffic laws are vital to improving safety across Pune’s roads.
