Hyderabad Police Book 900 Drunk Drivers in Weekend Crackdown
- Nearly 900 drunk drivers were booked across Hyderabad and Cyberabad over the weekend.
- The crackdown was a special drive to reduce road accidents and enforce traffic rules.
- Police set up multiple checkpoints and conducted breathalyzer tests.
- Offenders face fines and possible license suspension as per law.
Weekend Drive Nets Hundreds of Drunk Drivers
Hyderabad and Cyberabad police booked nearly 900 drunk drivers during a special weekend crackdown. The operation, conducted between Friday evening and Sunday morning, targeted motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police set up numerous checkpoints across key junctions in both commissionerate limits. Officers used breathalyzer tests to screen drivers. Those found with alcohol levels above the legal limit were immediately booked.
Details of the Enforcement Action
Cyberabad police alone registered over 500 cases. Hyderabad police added another 400-odd cases to the tally. The exact breakdown of fines collected has not been released by authorities.
Traffic police officials said the drive was part of a broader strategy to reduce road fatalities. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of accidents in the city, especially during weekends and festive seasons.
Legal Consequences for Offenders
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving under the influence of alcohol attracts a fine of up to Rs 10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months for a first offence. Repeat offenders face stricter penalties, including possible cancellation of driving license.
Police have impounded several vehicles and initiated court proceedings against repeat violators. Authorities are also sending notices to the registered owners of vehicles involved.
Public Response and Safety Message
The crackdown has received mixed reactions. While many citizens welcomed the strict enforcement, some questioned the timing and scale of the operation. Police, however, maintained that the drive was purely for public safety.
“Our aim is not to harass people but to save lives,” a senior traffic police officer said. “Drunk driving endangers not just the driver but everyone on the road.”
Authorities have urged the public to use designated drivers, cabs, or public transport if they plan to consume alcohol. Several pubs and restaurants in the city have also been advised to cooperate with the enforcement.
The police plan to continue such surprise checks in the coming weeks, especially on weekends. They are also considering deploying more breathalyzer machines and personnel at known hotspots.