Call for High-Level SIT to Probe MLA Sunil Tingre’s Role in Pune Porsche Accident Cover-Up

Qaneez Sukhrani, RTI Activist has demanded the constitution of the highest-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Sunil Tingre’s (MLA, Vadgaon Sheri constituency) involvement in diluting the case where a drunk CCL (child in conflict with law) driving a Porsche killed two innocent people in Pune on May 19, 2024. Thirteen days later, shocking details continue to emerge daily, making us citizens feel as if we are living in a crime film.

She has written a letter Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Maharashtra, : Dr. Nitin Kareer – Chief Secretary, Maharashtra, Rashmi Shukla – Director General of Police, Maharashtra, Rahul Narvekar – Speaker & Chairman of Vidhan Sabha Maharashtra through Secretary MLS, Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition Vidhan Sabha Maharashtra through Secretary MLS with a copy being sent to Ramesh Bais – Respected Governor of Maharashtra through Pravin Darade Principal Secretary & Vipin Saxena Special Secretary demanding formation of SIT to investigate into the case.  

The SIT must comprise a retired Bombay High Court judge with an untarnished record and resistance to pressure, a senior CBI member, the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Maharashtra Police. An independent, interference-free probe will likely reveal MLA Sunil Tingre’s significant role from the outset in attempting to influence the outcome of this tragic accident.

The intervention of Devendra Fadnavis was crucial in protecting the image of Maharashtra’s Mahayuti coalition after the nationwide outcry following the Juvenile Justice Board’s decision to grant bail to the CCL within 15 hours on a Sunday. The absurdity of the CCL being asked to write a 300-word essay on road safety and perform traffic duty led to the Pune Police approaching the JJB again, resulting in the CCL being sent to an observation home for 15 days. On May 30, 2024, Fadnavis assured the public that no one involved would be spared.

The public uproar, marked by candlelight marches across Pune, prompted swift action from Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, leading to arrests of the culprit’s family members and several professionals, including doctors and pub owners. Two police personnel have been suspended pending the probe’s outcome. This case has become a shocking example of widespread professional involvement, including doctors, nurses, police, and excise officials.

Reports on May 29, 2024, from Hindustan Times indicated that the Pune police are investigating a lawmaker from the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party for allegedly using his influence to alter the investigation. However, there has been public silence regarding the progress of this probe.

It is shocking that the State Government did not take suo moto cognizance of Tingre’s involvement to order a probe. Media coverage, such as Mirror Now’s report on May 28, 2024, and News18’s allegations against ministers and MLAs in this case, underscores the urgency of a thorough investigation.

Despite my demands to Hon’ble Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, he has defended MLA Tingre, dismissing the allegations as baseless. It is evident that the guilty never admit their guilt, and thus Tingre’s denial of involvement is unsurprising. It is up to intellectuals to weigh, balance, and decide on the cover-ups.

The investigation’s scope must be comprehensive to prevent any escape through gaps. The investigation must include but not be limited to the following:

• Did Tingre arrive at the Yerwada Police Station when the drunk teen was apprehended around 4 am?
• Did Tingre order the police to treat the teen leniently by providing him with pizza, burgers, coke, and a private vehicle?
• Was the juvenile’s father Tingre’s employer and business partner?
• Did the people of Wadgaonsheri elect Tingre to protect his interests or to represent theirs?
• Why did Tingre not support the bereaved families of the victims from Madhya Pradesh?
• Did Tingre act so blatantly because he believed he had senior support?
• Did Tingre recommend Dr. Ajay Taware’s appointment as Medical Superintendent of Sassoon Hospital?
• Was Tingre involved in Dr. Taware’s re-appointment despite allegations of malpractice?
• Was Tingre aware of the manipulation of blood samples at Sassoon Hospital?
• Did Tingre know that feeding fast food to the juvenile would dilute the alcohol percentage in his blood?
• Was political clout used to quash the police investigation?
• Have mobile phone records of Tingre and his staff been checked from day one?
• Has the police investigated the connection between Tingre’s son and the juvenile culprit?

An SIT must be set up immediately after the MMC concludes, given a month to complete the probe, and its report published in the public domain promptly, demanded Sukhrani,