In a bizarre incident that turned a routine traffic check into a public spectacle, a drunk auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad tried to evade arrest by brandishing a snake at police officers. The event, which quickly spiraled into a viral sensation, unfolded at the Chandrayangutta crossroads on Saturday night.
The Drunk Driving Stop That Took a Wild Turn
The drama began around 9:30 PM on Saturday when police, as part of a weekend enforcement drive, stopped the auto-rickshaw for a drunk driving check. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Syed Irfan, tested positive for a dangerously high level of alcohol. His Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) was recorded at 110 mg/100 ml, far exceeding the legal limit of 30 mg/100 ml.
Following procedure, the police immediately moved to seize his three-wheeler. According to Inspector R. Gopi of Chandrayangutta law & order, Irfan was cooperative until his vehicle was confiscated. "Irfan was cooperative till he gave the test. Once his vehicle was seized, he got angry," the inspector stated.
The Snake as an Unusual Weapon of Intimidation
Angered by the seizure, Irfan resorted to an extreme and shocking tactic. He reached into his auto-rickshaw and pulled out a snake, wrapping it around his arm. In a video that was captured by onlookers and later went viral, Irfan is seen aggressively swinging the reptile at the police personnel, threatening to let it bite them if they dared to nab him or take his vehicle.
The crowd that had gathered watched in amazement as the driver repeatedly challenged the cops, asking "gaadi hona?" (you want the vehicle?). The chaotic scene left even the officers momentarily unsure. "When onlookers asked him if the snake was real, he said yes. But at that moment it was tough to say if it indeed was the case, or if it was just a dummy," recalled an official from the Chandrayangutta traffic police.
Arrest and the Revelation of the Dead Snake
By the time law and order reinforcements reached the spot, the driver had fled. However, his escape was short-lived. On Sunday, police apprehended Syed Irfan from Pahadishareef. Irfan, who works as a cook and part-time auto driver, was arrested for obstructing police duty and creating a public nuisance.
Upon interrogation, the truth behind the terrifying prop was revealed. Inspector Gopi shared, "He told us that it was a dead snake that he had found on the roadside in Bahadurpura earlier in the day and had kept it in the autorickshaw." Police confirmed the snake was not only dead but also non-venomous. Authorities suspect the reptile might have originally come from the nearby zoo park.
This unusual case highlights the extreme lengths to which some individuals will go to avoid legal consequences, while also showcasing the challenges faced by police in maintaining order during unpredictable public confrontations.
