In a significant shift from their usual nighttime enforcement, the Pune traffic police have launched a series of surprise daytime checks to apprehend motorists driving under the influence of alcohol. This decisive action comes in the wake of two devastating back-to-back accidents that occurred on Sunday and Monday, highlighting a dangerous new trend of daytime drunk driving in the city.
A Shift in Strategy: From Night to Day
Traditionally, the police have concentrated their anti-drunk driving efforts during night hours, setting up nakabandis (blockades) near pubs, restaurants, and bars. Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil explained that this focus was due to people typically visiting such establishments after office hours. However, a disturbing pattern has emerged, forcing a change in tactics.
"Now, motorists are consuming alcohol during the day and driving on city roads, leading to accidents," stated Patil. He emphasized that Sunday's tragic incident compelled the force to revive stringent surprise checks and take strict action against offenders during daylight hours as well.
The Incidents That Triggered the Crackdown
The police decision was directly influenced by two horrific accidents. The first occurred on Sunday afternoon near a pub in Kalyaninagar. A heavily intoxicated 49-year-old software engineer, Pratapsinh Daingade, from an IT firm in Yerawada, fatally struck a valet attendant. Investigations revealed Daingade had consumed alcohol at his Dhanori residence before driving to the pub for more drinks.
Despite the pub staff refusing him service due to his inebriated state and offering to arrange a cab or drive him home, Daingade ignored the advice. He got behind the wheel and hit 30-year-old attendant Satyender Mondal, who died from his injuries. Daingade is currently in police custody until December 3.
The very next day, on Monday, another drunk driving tragedy unfolded in Hinjewadi. A drunk driver operating a private bus hired by an IT firm lost control, mounted a footpath, and ran over three siblings. Two of them died on the spot, while the third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Although the Hinjewadi area falls under Pimpri Chinchwad police jurisdiction, this incident, along with the one in Kalyaninagar, starkly underscored the growing menace of drunk driving at all hours.
Strict Legal Action and Future Enforcement
The new daytime enforcement strategy will move away from reliance on static nakabandis. Instead, officers will conduct random checks on roads across the city to catch drunk drivers. The police have vowed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach.
"We will invoke standard jail term provisions against offenders, sending them to prison through court orders," warned Additional CP Patil. This marks a clear escalation in the legal consequences for those caught driving drunk, signaling the police's serious intent to curb this deadly behavior.
The consecutive accidents have served as a grim reminder that the threat of drunk driving is no longer confined to the night. The Pune traffic police's proactive shift to daytime checks aims to create a deterrent throughout the day and enhance road safety for all citizens.
