In a poignant move, the Congress youth wing in Pune organized an essay writing competition on Sunday at the site of a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two IT professionals. The competition took place in the Kalyani Nagar area, where the fatal accident occurred on May 19, involving a speeding Porsche allegedly driven by a 17-year-old.
The crash, which resulted in the deaths of two young professionals, has stirred significant public outrage. Police reports indicate that the teenager was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Initially, the Juvenile Justice Board granted the minor bail, accompanied by an unusual requirement to write an essay on road accidents. However, this decision was met with widespread criticism, prompting a review application by the police. Consequently, the teenager was remanded to an observation home until June 5.
The essay competition attracted around 100 participants, primarily young people, who gathered to write on topics such as "My Favorite Car," "If My Father Was a Builder," and "Ill Effects of Alcohol." The event aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving and underage drinking.
Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar from the Kasba assembly constituency was among those who attended the event. Addressing the media, Dhangekar condemned the incident, expressing his grief over the loss of two young lives. He called for stringent action against pubs and restaurants that operate beyond permitted hours, contributing to such tragic incidents.
"I condemn the incident in which two youngsters lost their lives. The police should take stringent action against pubs and restaurants that operate beyond permitted time to avert such accidents," Dhangekar stated.
In response to the crash, the police have arrested the teenager’s father, Vishal Agarwal, a realtor, and his grandfather, Surendra Agarwal. Vishal Agarwal faces charges under the Juvenile Justice Act for "exposing a child to danger" by allowing his underage son, who lacked a driving license, to drive the car. Surendra Agarwal has been arrested for the 'illegal confinement' of the family driver, whom he allegedly coerced into taking the blame for the accident.
The police presence was significant at the essay competition to ensure the event proceeded smoothly and without incident. The gathering highlighted the community's collective grief and anger over the tragic loss of life and the perceived leniency shown to the young driver.
The fatal accident has spurred discussions about road safety, the responsibilities of parents, and the enforcement of laws concerning underage drinking and driving. The essay competition served not only as a memorial for the victims but also as a call to action for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for justice for the victims and their families. The tragic event underscores the importance of responsible parenting, adherence to traffic laws, and the need for systemic changes to enhance road safety and accountability.