Police Crack Down on 250  Drunk Driving During Holi Celebrations in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad 

During the Holi festival, the police in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad conducted a targeted operation aimed at reducing drunk driving and traffic violations. On Monday, they arrested 280 individuals who were driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition, a total of 1,656 people were charged with various other traffic offences.

The initiative, spearheaded by Police Commissioners Amitesh Kumar and Vinoykumar Choubey, was a response to the anticipated surge in alcohol consumption and driving during Holi celebrations. Specially trained staff equipped with breath analyzers were deployed across traffic divisions of both police units, particularly on Monday, the day of Dhulivandan, when revellers traditionally indulge in colourful festivities.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic) Vishal Gaikwad of Pimpri Chinchwad police stated, “We conducted two separate special drives. One was against those driving under the influence of alcohol and the other was for other traffic violations, including riding triple seats. We booked 138 for drunk driving and 497 other violations.”

There were similar sentiments, Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic) Rohidas Pawar of Pune mentioned, “We booked 142 for drunk driving, 226 for riding triple seat, and 933 for other traffic violations, including using cell phones while operating vehicles and jumping signals. The drive will continue in the coming days.”

Those found with a blood alcohol level exceeding the permissible limit, as detected by breath analyzers, are subject to prosecution under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act. This includes imprisonment for up to six months or a fine for first-time offenders, with subsequent offences within three years potentially resulting in imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both. The crackdown aims to ensure safer roads during festive periods and beyond.