Special Correspondent
Pune : In a major revelation in the ongoing investigation into the Pune Porsche crash case, the prosecution has alleged that deliberate efforts were made to tamper with the blood samples of the minor accused and his two friends. The manipulation reportedly took place at both Sassoon General Hospital and Aundh District Hospital, with the aim of shielding the juvenile from criminal liability.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Shishir Hirey submitted key documentary evidence, including testimonies from medical staff at Aundh District Hospital. The evidence pointed to a coordinated attempt to replace the original blood samples of the minor with clean samples—thereby obscuring proof of alcohol consumption, which is central to the case.
According to the Pune Police, the tampering was not an isolated act but part of a wider conspiracy involving multiple individuals. Among those named are Vishal Agarwal and Shivani Agarwal, the parents of the minor accused, along with Arun Kumar Singh. Investigators believe they colluded with Ashpak Makandar, Amar Gaikwad, Aditya Sood, and Ashi Mittal to orchestrate the tampering.
The plan was allegedly executed with the help of hospital staff. Orderly Atul Ghatkambale is suspected to have physically swapped the blood samples, while senior medical officials—including Dr. Shrihari Halnor, the then Chief Medical Officer at Sassoon General Hospital, and Dr. Ajay Tavre, the former head of the Forensic Department—are believed to have played a direct role in facilitating the cover-up.
Authorities suspect that bribes were paid to enable the manipulation of medical reports and obstruct the investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about the integrity of public health institutions and their vulnerability to external influence in high-profile cases.
During the same hearing, the defense team, comprising Adv. Sudeep Pasbola, Adv. Rishikesh Ganu, and Adv. Rajesh Kale, challenged the applicability of several charges, including those under the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. They argued that IPC Sections 109 (abetment), 34 (common intention), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) were being misapplied, and that the documents allegedly forged did not meet the legal definition of “valuable securities,” which is essential for charges under IPC Section 467 (forgery).
Adding to the legal drama, Vishal Agarwal has filed for temporary bail, citing his mother’s critical illness as the reason for seeking release.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 11, when further arguments from both sides will be heard. As the investigation progresses, public interest in the case continues to grow, with increasing demands for accountability and justice for the victims of the fatal crash.
