Porsche Accident: Cosie, Blak club Managers to be Held in Custody till 24th May – Pune court
Investigations indicate that the minor and his companions visited both establishments from 9:30 pm on Saturday until 1 am on Sunday, where they allegedly consumed alcohol.
21st May 2024
The Pune police detained the father of a 17-and-a-half-year-old boy, who allegedly drove a speeding Porsche car resulting in the deaths of two young software engineers in a motorcycle collision. The father, identified as a prominent realtor in the city, had been evading authorities after being charged under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed the father’s detention from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and stated that he was being brought back to the city for further investigation. The father faces charges under Sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act for allowing his minor son to drive the Porsche and consume alcohol.
The Pune Police have apprehended Pralhad Bhutada, the owner of Cosie restaurant, along with Sachin Katkar, its manager, and Sandeep Sangle, the manager of Blak restaurant. They stand accused of serving alcohol to a minor. A senior officer from the Pune City Police mentioned that the arrested individuals will appear in court later today. Investigations indicate that the minor and his companions visited both establishments from 9:30 pm on Saturday until 1 am on Sunday, where they allegedly consumed alcohol.
In a special court session today, the owner of Cosie hotel and the manager of Blak club at Marriott Suites, where a minor driver of a Porsche car was served liquor, have been remanded to police custody until 24th May.
The accused have been identified as Naman Bhutada, owner of Cosie hotel, Katkar, the bar counter manager, and Sandeep Sangle, the manager of Blak club.
They are facing charges under Sections 3, 5 and 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, along with Sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.
During the court proceedings, Police Inspector Mane stated that Blak club is typically exclusive to members, yet in this instance, minors were granted entry and served alcohol. He further highlighted concerns regarding a separate area for wine service lacking CCTV surveillance, prompting the need for an investigation into potential regularities in serving liquor to minors.
Advocate Asim Sarode, representing citizens through an intervention application, emphasised the fear instilled in pedestrians and commuters by the incident, questioning the necessity of multiple FIRs.
However, Defence lawyer SK Jain argued against the registration of FIRs for non-cognizable offences under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The public prosecutor countered Jain’s argument, citing the invocation of sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
After deliberation, the judge ordered the three accused to remain in police custody until 24th May, remarking that pub owners must ensure minors are not served liquor. Additionally, if individuals have consumed alcohol, measures should be taken to prevent them from driving, including arranging accommodations for the night.