Pune: Following the death of two youngsters whose two-wheeler was knocked by a wealthy realtor's son, the Pune police came under severe criticism. As a result, Deputy Chief Minister, who also heads the State Home Department, rushed to Pune and assured Puneites that justice would be done to the family of the victims.

Mr Fadnavis held a press conference at Pune Police Commissionerate on Tuesday.

At the press conference, Mr Fadnavis expressed shock at the decision of the Juvenile Justice Board which granted bail to the 17 year old. The two youths, Aneesh and Ashwini who died in the accident are from Madhya Pradesh. Both are IT engineers. The accident took place early morning in Kalyaninagar area of Pune city when a Porsche driven by the 17 year old slammed into the two wheeler of the duo.

Mr Fadnavis said the JJB took a lenient view in the case. He said he was suprised and shocking to learn that the JJB has granted bail to the accused and told him to perform 15 days of social service. Mr Fadnavis said the police want to try the 17 year old as a adult in view of the amendment to the Nirbhaya case which stipulated that those above 16 year old who are involved in serious crimes, can be treated as adult.

Mr Fadnavis outbursts against the JJB, say civic activists, was badly needed. Activists say teens are getting away by committing crimes every day. ''After the teens commit crime, they are produced before the JJB who are being lenient on them. The JJBs release them easily. This has emboldened the teens to become repeat offenders. Most of the crime committed in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are primarily by teenagers,'' said activist Jayant Kariya. ''Therefore, now after Mr Fadnavis scathing remarks, it is hoped all the JJBs in Maharashtra will be strict.

Several activists and citizens hailed the stand taken by Mr Fadnavis. Many say though his stand is late, it is timely and send out a right message to JJBs. ''We need to rein the teens, otherwise Maharashtra will soon become the crime state of India,'' said another activist.