Gurgaon Police Escalate Drunk Driving Crackdown with Criminal FIRs
In a significant move to enhance road safety, Gurgaon police have begun registering criminal First Information Reports (FIRs) against motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol. This stricter enforcement, introduced last month, adds criminal cases to the existing penalties such as challans, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment, marking a tougher stance on drunk driving offenses.
Recent Case Highlights Severe Violation
In a recent incident, a 49-year-old man, Subhash, was caught during an alcohol check drive at Sati Chowk on Friday. Police officers ASI Vedpal and constable Navneet, deployed at the checkpoint, stopped a black Maruti Brezza (HR26FW5295) that was approaching the barricade at high speed. The vehicle was being driven negligently and recklessly, with a strong smell of alcohol emanating from the driver.
Upon testing with an alco-sensor machine, the reading showed 335 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, nearly seven times above the legally permissible limit of 30 mg. An FIR was registered at Kherki Daula police station under sections 281 (rash driving) and 125 (acts done so rashly or negligently that they endanger human life or personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with section 185 (driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs) of the Motor Vehicles Act. The vehicle was seized as part of the enforcement action.
Shift in Enforcement Strategy
Previously, in cases of drunk driving, police would issue challans and suspend licenses for three months, with vehicles impounded only when alcohol levels exceeded the prescribed limit. Now, the new policy mandates the registration of criminal cases in addition to these penalties. Officials state that this stricter action is aimed at deterring repeat offenses and reducing road accidents linked to drunken driving.
Police data reveals that 26,122 challans for drunken driving were issued in Gurgaon last year, underscoring the prevalence of such violations. A police officer emphasized, "This could be a major step to restrict drunk driving and save precious lives on the road. Such gross violations not only claim the life of the defaulter but also cause the death of others."
Leadership and Broader Traffic Initiatives
The crackdown is being carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Vikas Arora and the supervision of DCP (traffic) Rajesh Mohan, with traffic teams conducting regular checking drives across the city. This initiative mirrors the police's recent stance on wrong-side driving, particularly on highways and major arterial roads, where FIRs are now being filed more consistently.
In January this year, city police issued approximately 1.3 lakh traffic challans, including 1,314 for drunken driving and 11,731 for wrong-side driving, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve traffic discipline and safety.
While consolidated data on the number of FIRs registered under the new enforcement is yet to be compiled, the move represents a proactive approach to curb dangerous driving behaviors and protect public safety on Gurgaon's roads.
