The Pune City Traffic Police has launched a vigorous crackdown on drunk driving, resulting in the booking of 178 motorists during a recent intensive three-day special drive. Officials have announced that this stringent action is set to be amplified in the coming weeks as the year draws to a close.
Major Drive Across 30 City Checkpoints
Detailing the operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav stated that the special drive was conducted from November 21 to November 23. To ensure widespread coverage, the police established a network of 30 checkpoints at strategic locations across Pune. The sole focus of this large-scale effort was to identify and penalise individuals operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.
All 178 individuals caught during the drive were formally booked under the relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The police have initiated the necessary legal processes against them, DCP Jadhav confirmed.
Police Appeal and Year-End Warning
In a strong public appeal, the Traffic Branch emphasised that driving after consuming alcohol is a grave offence that drastically elevates the risk of catastrophic accidents. The police have urged all citizens to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to safeguard their own lives and the lives of others on the road.
DCP Jadhav issued a clear warning, stating, "The action against drunk drivers will intensify towards the end of the year." This indicates that the police are planning even more rigorous checks and enforcement in the festive season leading up to the New Year.
Legal Ramifications of Drunk Driving
For those caught driving under the influence, the legal consequences are severe. Offenders are prosecuted under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act. A person is legally considered to be driving under influence if a breath analyser test detects an alcohol level exceeding 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, or if they are impaired by drugs to an extent that prevents proper control of the vehicle.
The penalties prescribed by law are stringent:
- For a first-time offence, the punishment can include imprisonment for up to six months, a substantial fine, or both.
- If a second or subsequent offence is committed within three years of the first, the imprisonment term can extend to two years, along with a fine or both.
Pune's courts have recently demonstrated a firm stance on such violations. In a unique ruling last month, a local court sentenced a 28-year-old man, caught in July, to print and personally distribute 1,000 flyers on the dangers of drunk driving at traffic signals, in addition to imposing a fine. Furthermore, in September, the Motor Vehicle cases court in Pune sentenced two men to 15 days of simple imprisonment and a fine for drunk driving and other traffic violations.
