Bengaluru: 1,295 booked for drunk-driving in 72 hours

Bengaluru: In a large year-end enforcement drive aimed at curbing road fatalities, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have booked 1,295 vehicle users for driving under the influence of alcohol in 72 hours. 

The special drive, conducted between December 22 and 24, saw 89,236 vehicles being flagged down across 50 traffic police stations in the city.

The crackdown is part of the police's "zero tolerance" strategy against drunk-driving, especially with New Year festivities around the corner, 

High-intensity 'naka bandi'

Using a "composite naka bandi" strategy where the law and order and traffic wings work in tandem, the police set up checkpoints on major arterial roads and at sensitive junctions. 

"This drive is going on. Our primary objective is to prevent road accidents during the festive week," a senior traffic police officer told DH. "Of the 1,295 cases registered, a significant majority were two-wheeler riders, followed by car drivers." 

While the checks caused minor slowdowns at certain junctions, most drivers welcomed the strict enforcement. 

"It’s better to be delayed by five minutes at a checkpoint than to have a drunk driver swerving into your lane," a cab driver said. "During the Christmas-New Year week, the city’s roads become very unpredictable. Knowing the police are out there provides a sense of safety." 

First-time offenders face a fine of Rs 10,000 and a suspension of driving licence for three to six months. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment. 

The BTP plans to intensify the drive on December 31, with more personnel expected to be deployed across the city to ensure a "dry and safe" transition into 2026.