Indian Teen Who Allegedly Kills Two While Drunk Driving Told To Write An Essay

A court in India has ordered a teenager, accused of killing two people in a drunk driving incident, to write an essay on road safety as part of his punishment.

The Porsche car that hit a motorcycle at Kalyani Nagar in Pune on Sunday, which killed two people. Photo Credit: ANI

A court in India has ordered a teenager, accused of killing two people in a drunk driving incident, to write an essay on road safety as part of his punishment.

The other sentence given to the 17-year-old is to complete 15 days of community service.

However, the judicial decision has only sparked an escalating public outrage with many calling for stricter penalties and accusing the judiciary of being too lenient.

According to reports, the teenager was driving a Porsche when he collided with a motorbike, killing two people. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, providing details of the case, said the minor was brought into prison before being freed on bond after appearing before the Juvenile Justice Board.

Fadnavis emphasised the gravity of the act, adding that the boy was only a few months away from adulthood. Under India’s amended juvenile rules, children over 16 can face adult trials for severe crimes. He found the Board’s judgement surprising and stated that the Pune police are seeking additional charges of culpable killing not amounting to murder.

Surveillance footage allegedly showing the Porsche speeding just before the incident has circulated widely, exacerbating public fury. The youngster’s father, who is accused of permitting his underage son to drive, has been detained, along with three others who allegedly provided the minor alcohol.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar assured the public of a thorough inquiry and promised to pursue justice for the victims. The tragedy, which killed 24-year-old Suresh Koshta’s daughter and another person, has dominated national news and sparked calls for stiffer penalties.

Leader of the opposition Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the leniency accorded to rich minors, questioning whether less privileged individuals would receive the same treatment.

This case has also brought back memories of other court disputes, including Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s 2015 acquittal in a tragic hit-and-run case, which provoked popular outrage. The current instance highlights recurring worries about the impact of wealth and status on court rulings in India.