Pune Police Announce Zero Tolerance On Drunk Driving; Repeat Offenders To Face Vehicle Seizure
Pune Police Announce Zero Tolerance On Drunk Driving; Repeat Offenders To Face Vehicle Seizure
Pune, February 3, 2026: In a strong warning to motorists, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Tuesday announced stringent measures against drunk driving, stating that vehicles of repeat offenders will be seized to curb road accidents and save lives.
Addressing a counselling and guidance programme held under the Road Safety Campaign 2026 at the Traffic Police Headquarters in Shivajinagar, Kumar underlined the city police’s zero-tolerance approach towards traffic violations. The programme was organised for drivers booked for driving under the influence of alcohol and was attended by senior officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav.
The commissioner highlighted a sharp rise in drunk driving cases over the past three years. According to police data, around 550 motorists were booked for drunk driving in 2023. The number increased to nearly 3,000 in 2024 and crossed 6,000 in 2025, reflecting the growing seriousness of the offence in the city.
Kumar said that as part of stricter enforcement, photographs of offenders caught driving under the influence will be uploaded on the official police website. In addition, their workplaces will be formally informed, and family members will be called to counsel them on the consequences of such behaviour. “If a person is caught drunk driving more than once, the vehicle will be seized. Similar action will also be taken against vehicles involved in triple-seat riding,” he said.
Emphasising the human cost of traffic violations, the commissioner noted that nearly 300 people have lost their lives in road accidents in Pune, many of which were linked to drunk driving. Referring to the 2024 Kalyaninagar accident that claimed the lives of two young professionals, he said one irresponsible act can devastate multiple families. He added that in that case, the accused minor’s family spent several months in jail, showing how reckless driving affects not just victims but also the offender’s own family.
Appealing to citizens for cooperation, Kumar said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. “Our goal is to ensure that not a single citizen drives under the influence of alcohol. While the police will take strict action, responsible behaviour from the public is equally crucial for road safety,” he said.
