Pune Police Ramp Up Drunk-Driving Crackdown with Increased Checkpoints Ahead of Year-End Festivities
Pune, 26th December 2024: Following a significant rise in drunk-driving incidents, Pune police have recorded over 5,300 cases since May 19, the day a high-profile Porsche Taycan crash occurred in Kalyaninagar. With the year-end celebrations in full swing, the police have increased their efforts to curb drunk driving by expanding the number of checkpoints from 16 to 26 across the city’s 32 traffic police divisions. The authorities also plan to further intensify the drive on December 29, 30, and 31.
Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region), Manoj Patil, spoke to the media on Wednesday, saying, “In 2024, eight lives were lost in fatal accidents caused by drunk driving. To reduce such incidents, we have strategically set up checkpoints at key locations, including Baner, Kalyaninagar, Koregaon Park, Hadapsar, Phursungi, Undri, Katraj, and near Pune Railway Station. These areas are known for their high concentration of hotels, restaurants, bars, and permit rooms, making them hotspots for such offenses, especially at night.”
The newly established checkpoints will be staffed by a supervising officer and six policemen, including three traffic police personnel. If a driver is caught under the influence, they will be required to undergo a breathalyzer test. “If the test reveals alcohol levels above the legal limit of 30 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, the individual will be prosecuted under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA),” Patil explained.
The penalty for a first-time offender is a fine of Rs 10,000, which must be paid at the Motor Accidents Court. For repeat offenders, the fine can escalate to Rs 15,000, with a possible two-year imprisonment. Patil emphasized that there has been a marked increase in drunk-driving cases due to the police rotating checkpoints regularly, making it more difficult for offenders to avoid detection.
“We have also submitted a proposal to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to revoke the driving licenses of individuals caught driving under the influence. In addition, more than 5,000 vehicles have been temporarily impounded as part of our efforts to deter offenders,” Patil added.
