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In a significant development nearly a year after the tragic Porsche Taycan crash in Pune, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has suspended the medical licenses of two doctors implicated in tampering with blood samples related to the case. Dr. Ajay Taware, former head of the forensic sciences department at Sassoon General Hospital, and Dr. Shrihari Halnor, former casualty medical officer at the same hospital, have been barred from practicing medicine pending the outcome of the council’s inquiry.
The case stems from the fatal accident on May 19, 2024, in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, when a Porsche driven by a 17-year-old allegedly under the influence of alcohol collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two IT professionals. Subsequent investigations revealed that the blood samples of the minor driver were allegedly swapped with those of his mother to conceal the presence of alcohol in his system. This manipulation was reportedly orchestrated in exchange for money, involving not only the two doctors but also a hospital mortuary staffer, Atul Ghatkamble, who has also been arrested.
The MMC took suo motu cognizance of the matter after media reports and police investigations highlighted serious ethical violations. Notices were issued to the doctors in May 2023, but as both have been in judicial custody since their arrest in May 2024, personal hearings could not be conducted. After reviewing reports from various committees and the Pune police, the council decided to suspend their licenses indefinitely until the case is resolved. MMC administrator Dr. Vinky Rughwani emphasized that the suspension is based on grounds of malpractice and breach of medical ethics, and the doctors are no longer permitted to treat patients or practice medicine.
The police have also arrested other accused, including the minor driver’s parents and alleged middlemen involved in the conspiracy. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the involvement of medical professionals in evidence tampering, raising concerns about ethical standards in the medical community.
This decisive action by the Maharashtra Medical Council underscores its commitment to uphold medical ethics and public trust by holding professionals accountable for misconduct.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources and official statements as of April 2025. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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