Pune Police Enforce Zero Tolerance with Counselling for Drunk Drivers
In a decisive move to enhance road safety, the Pune City Traffic Police has launched a series of mandatory counselling programmes for drivers apprehended for drunk driving. This initiative, part of an ongoing Road Safety Campaign, signals a firm stance against repeat violations, with authorities emphasizing zero tolerance for such dangerous behavior.
High-Level Officials Address Offenders at Shivajinagar Headquarters
Under the directives of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the traffic branch organized a counselling session on Monday at the Pune Police Headquarters in Shivajinagar. The event saw the presence of key police officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav, who collectively addressed the gathering to underscore the gravity of drunk driving.
This marked the second such session, following an initial one held on February 2, with plans to conduct these programmes every Monday as a sustained effort. Approximately 600 offenders, who were booked under the Motor Vehicles Act for drunk driving, attended the latest session, receiving detailed guidance on legal ramifications and road safety norms.
Educational Focus on Legal Consequences and Social Responsibility
During the counselling, presentations highlighted the severe consequences of driving under the influence, including potential loss of life and legal penalties. DCP Himmat Jadhav elaborated that the primary objectives are to instill adherence to traffic rules, promote safe driving practices, and foster awareness of social responsibility among drivers.
"Driving after consuming alcohol is not merely a legal violation but poses a significant danger to society," Jadhav stated. He urged participants to drive safely and responsibly, noting that many offenders benefited from the session and pledged to avoid future violations.
Stricter Enforcement and Rising Violation Trends
In response to escalating drunk-driving cases, all traffic divisions have been instructed to implement special drives with harsher actions than before. Statistics reveal a concerning trend: in 2024, around 4,000 individuals were caught for drunk driving, a number that surged to nearly 6,500 in 2025. For the current year, police plan back-to-back dedicated campaigns to combat this issue more aggressively.
Police utilize breathalyser tests to detect alcohol levels, with violations prosecuted under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. This provision stipulates that individuals with alcohol concentrations exceeding 30 milligrams per 100 ml of blood face penalties including imprisonment up to six months, fines, or both for first offences, and up to two years for repeat offences within three years, alongside possible licence cancellation.
The counselling programmes aim not only to penalize but also to rehabilitate offenders, aligning with broader public safety goals in Pune.
