Repeat Drunk Driving to Invite Vehicle Confiscation, Warns Pune Police Commissioner
Repeat Drunk Driving to Invite Vehicle Confiscation, Warns Pune Police Commissioner
Pune Police have stepped up their fight against drunk driving by announcing strict enforcement measures, including the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders. The move is aimed at reducing road accidents and preventing loss of life, senior officials said during a large awareness and counselling programme held in the city.
A special counselling session for over 1,000 motorists booked for drunk driving in recent months was organised on Monday at the traffic police headquarters in Shivajinagar. The initiative was part of the Road Safety Campaign 2026 and was attended by several senior police officers.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the department has decided to act firmly against those who continue to violate traffic laws. “We have taken a decision to seize vehicles of drivers who are repeatedly caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Last year, around 6,000 drunk driving cases were registered,” he said.
Highlighting the direct link between alcohol consumption and road accidents, the commissioner said stronger deterrent measures were necessary. “Vehicles will be confiscated, offenders will be made to stand at busy intersections in the presence of their friends and family, and their photographs will be uploaded on the police website,” he said. He added that notices would also be sent to the offenders’ workplaces to make them realise the gravity of the offence.
Kumar noted a sharp rise in drunk driving cases over the past few years. “About 550 drivers were caught drunk driving in 2023. This figure went up to nearly 3,000 in 2024 and crossed 6,000 in 2025. These numbers clearly show how serious the issue has become,” he said. He also warned that vehicles involved in violations such as triple-seat riding would be confiscated.
Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil said the purpose of such action was not simply to punish motorists. “Punishment is not our main objective. When traffic rules are ignored, the outcome can be extremely serious,” he said. Patil urged those attending the counselling session to spread awareness in society and act as messengers of road safety.
Emphasising the national scenario, Patil said, “India is among the countries with the highest number of road accidents. Nearly 1,80,000 people die every year, which means around 400 deaths every day. About 7,00,000 people suffer permanent disabilities annually. People need to think about these realities.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav and other senior officials were present at the programme, which focused on educating offenders about responsible driving and the long-term consequences of reckless behaviour.
Referring to local data, Commissioner Kumar said nearly 300 people have lost their lives in road accidents in Pune, many of them due to drunk driving. Mentioning the 2024 Kalyaninagar accident in which two young professionals were killed, he said a single irresponsible act can destroy multiple lives. “In that case, the minor accused’s family spent close to 19 months in jail. On one side, innocent lives were lost, and on the other, an entire family suffered,” he said.
Appealing to citizens to follow traffic rules strictly, Kumar said, “Our aim is that no citizen should ever be found driving after consuming alcohol. The police will act firmly, but public cooperation and responsible behaviour are equally essential.”
