Ahead of the New Year's Eve celebrations, Hyderabad City Police has initiated a stringent, week-long special drive to crack down on drunk driving and prevent road accidents. The enforcement campaign, which began on Wednesday, will remain active until December 31, deploying significant additional manpower across the city.
Massive Police Deployment and Midnight Checks
The police commissionerate has mobilised seven additional police platoons for this drive, setting up checkpoints at 120 key junctions throughout Hyderabad. Leading from the front, Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar personally supervised midnight inspections in the upscale Banjara Hills area on the first night of the operation.
The action yielded immediate results. During the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, law enforcement officials booked a staggering 304 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. Among those apprehended was one minor. As per protocol, the vehicles of all offenders were seized on the spot.
Stringent Penalties and Zero Tolerance Warning
Commissioner Sajjanar has issued a stern warning, emphasising that there will be "zero tolerance" for drunk driving. Offenders face severe consequences, including a hefty fine of Rs 10,000, the possibility of up to six months of imprisonment, and police recommendations for permanent cancellation of their driving licence.
After counselling the violators about the grave dangers of their actions, Sajjanar highlighted that such negligence jeopardises not only the driver's life but also puts innocent commuters and pedestrians at extreme risk of fatalities.
Streamlined Procedures and Public Appeal
To ensure the drive is effective and efficient, the Commissioner reviewed procedures at the checkpoints. He instructed personnel to speed up documentation processes so that roads can be cleared quickly while ensuring that all evidence collected is robust enough to stand legal scrutiny in court.
The police have made a strong appeal to citizens planning to celebrate. They urge revellers to use taxi services or appoint designated drivers who have not consumed alcohol. Hotels, pubs, and event organisers have also been requested to assist patrons by arranging safe transportation options.
Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to be proactive in reporting dangerous or reckless driving. Any such activity can be reported immediately by dialling the emergency number 100.
