Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Wednesday claimed some 'high profile' persons, including an MLA's son, got drunk at a pub and travelled in the Porsche car, which fatally knocked down two IT professionals in Pune 10 days back.

Congress Bats For CBI Enquiry

In an exclusive conversation with Republic, Patole said, “It's evident that the government wants to hush up this matter as it's involved in the case. Accused are fed pizza, and burgers and asked to write an essay and blood samples are tampered with. It's clear that high-profile people are involved in this hence ministers and MLAs are calling up doctors and cops. A son of an MLA is also one who is involved in the crash.”

He added, "The names of the two co-accused are not being revealed. The Congress party believes that a CBI inquiry must be initiated."

Reiterating the demand for a CBI probe, Patole asked police to 'reveal' the names of persons present in the car.

'CM Shinde Must Intervene...'

Demanding that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde speak up on the incident, Patole added, "An MLA and a minister are involved in the case and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde must intervene and come forward to give clarity."

According to police, a teenage son of a builder was driving the car after consuming alcohol in the Kalyani Nagar area.

Speaking to reporters, Patole also claimed a car race was going on at the time of the accident.

No Different Law for High-Profile and Poor

Patole further told Republic that there cannot be different laws for the high-profile and the poor. He said, "Being high-profile doesn't mean different laws would apply to them. The law remains the same for the high-profile and the poor."

Patole Addresses Drug Menace In State

Speaking about the drug menace in the state, Patole quipped, "It's not just limited to Pune. Cities like Nagpur, Jalgaon, etc are reeling under the drug menace set up by the government, which is destroying the young generation."

"A car race was going on. Some high-profile persons were travelling in that (Porsche) car after consuming liquor at a pub," the Congress leader said.

"Who is the minister who called up the police station and who is the MLA whose son was present in the car?" Patole asked.

The minor driver of the car was sent to a remand home till June 5 while his father and grandfather were arrested by the police for allegedly trying to scuttle the probe. 

(with PTI inputs)