Zero Tolerance Policy on Drunk Driving; Pune Police to Hold Weekly Counselling for Offenders

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 2nd February 2026: Amid a sharp rise in drunken driving cases in Pune, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Monday issued a stern warning to offenders and announced a zero-tolerance approach against drink-and-drive violations in the city. The warning came during a special counselling and training programme organised as part of the Road Safety Drive.

According to Pune Police, nearly 6,000 cases of drunken driving were registered last year. To curb the trend in 2026, the city police have intensified enforcement and introduced mandatory counselling and behavioural training for offenders. “Anyone caught driving under the influence will now face strict action without exception,” Commissioner Kumar said.

Addressing offenders present at the session, Kumar said that rising accidents due to drunk driving were a serious concern. “Our goal is clear — no one should drive after consuming alcohol. Every Monday, those caught in drink-and-drive cases during the week will be called for counselling, training and mindset correction,” he said.

The programme witnessed a diverse group of offenders, including a kirtankar (religious performer), who claimed he had been wrongly booked. Responding to this, Kumar said the police act transparently, but human error cannot be completely ruled out. “If a mistake has occurred, we will accept it and take corrective steps,” he said.

The Police Commissioner also announced that similar corrective sessions would soon be introduced for traffic violations such as triple riding, riding on footpaths and driving on the wrong side. “Traffic discipline is essential for reducing accidents. We are not just penalising people — we are trying to educate them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pune Traffic Police conducted a three-day special drive against drunken driving across the city. During the operation, checking points were set up at 30 locations, and 191 motorists were booked for driving under the influence. Action was taken under the Motor Vehicles Act, including fines and further legal procedures.

The traffic department appealed to citizens to avoid driving after drinking. “Drunken driving is a serious offence that endangers lives. Follow traffic rules and protect yourself and others,” police officials said.

With enforcement tightening and awareness efforts expanding, Pune Police aim to significantly reduce road accidents and bring better traffic discipline across the city.