Doctors Suspended in Pune Porsche Crash Case
Summary: Two Sassoon Hospital doctors in Pune have had their medical licenses suspended by the Maharashtra Medical Council. They were arrested for allegedly tampering with the blood samples of a 17-year-old Porsche crash driver to conceal alcohol consumption. The council took suo motu action after the committee reports and police findings confirmed their involvement.
Did Doctors Try to Hide Evidence in the Pune Porsche Crash?
Nearly a year after the tragic Pune Porsche crash that shocked the nation, two doctors from Sassoon General Hospital, Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shrihari Halnor, have had their medical licenses suspended. The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) took strict action after they were arrested for allegedly tampering with the blood samples of a 17-year-old driver involved in the incident.
The underage driver, the son of a real estate developer, allegedly ran over two IT professionals while driving under the influence of alcohol. To cover this up, his blood samples were reportedly swapped with those of his mother, a serious violation of medical ethics and legal conduct.
How Were the Doctors Involved in the Cover-Up?
According to Pune police, both doctors were part of a disturbing attempt to manipulate evidence. Along with a hospital staffer named Atul Ghatkamble, they allegedly conspired to replace the juvenile’s blood sample to eliminate any trace of alcohol.
“After both doctors were booked for allegedly swapping the juvenile’s blood samples with those of his mother, the MMC took suo motu cognisance and sought an explanation from them,” said Dr Vinky Rughwani, MMC administrator.
However, since the doctors have been in judicial custody, the council couldn’t hold a personal hearing. Instead, they relied on findings from internal committees and police reports.
Council Takes Swift Action Despite Legal Limitations
Despite being unable to hear the doctors in person, the MMC suspended their medical licenses pending the case’s final judgment.
“Their licences to practice medicine have been suspended, and they are no longer permitted to treat patients,” Dr Rughwani confirmed.
The council emphasised that the suspension is based on the gravity of the ethical breach and the independent inquiry they initiated.
Background: What Sparked the Investigation?
The case traces back to May 19, when a Porsche driven by the 17-year-old allegedly struck and killed two motorcyclists in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar. The tragic accident gained national attention, especially after alcohol consumption by the minor was suspected.
Following this, the juvenile was sent to an observation home but has since been released. Meanwhile, ten others, including his parents Vishal and Shivani Agarwal, the two doctors, hospital staffer Ghatkamble, two alleged middlemen, and three more individuals are still in judicial custody
What's Next in the Case?
The suspension will remain in effect until the court reaches a final verdict. The doctors are under investigation for violating medical ethics, and more legal consequences may follow depending on the outcome.
The case has also raised serious concerns about the integrity of medical institutions and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
This incident is a grim reminder of how easily those in trusted positions can derail justice. With their licenses suspended, the doctors will now face the consequences of their alleged actions. As investigations continue, the public, and the victims’ families, await justice.
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Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
