Drive Against Drunken Driving In Bhubaneswar Intensified, 60 Vehicles Seized
Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police intensified its drive against drunken driving under “Safe City Drive” In a committed effort to reduce anti-social activities and ensure road safety, the Commissionerate Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack conducted a rigorous drive against “drunken driving” “revers riding” under the “Safe City Drive” initiative. The operation, which took place on Saturday night, August 24th, 2024, led to the seizure of 60 vehicles.
The drive was conducted under the direct supervision of Commissioner of Police, Sri Sanjeeb Panda, and DCP Bhubaneswar, Sri Prateek Singh, with active participation from various police stations across Bhubaneswar. The police stations involved included Nayapalli, Sahid Nagar, Infocity, Maitri Vihar, Chandrasekharpur, Mancheswar, Nandankana and Traffic P.S. I & II.
The meticulously planned operation targeted at 11 vulnerable points across Bhubaneswar, utilizing 4 platoons of force to ensure comprehensive blocking and checking. Under the leadership of DCP, Bhubaneswar, Sri Prateek Singh, the teams worked tirelessly throughout the night to identify and penalize those violating traffic laws, particularly those driving under the influence of alcohol.
The results of the drive were significant, with a total of 60 vehicles seized for drunken driving. The BBSR Traffic P.S- I & II were particularly active, by seizing 33 vehicles. Among the high-end models such as Vehicle like Toyota Fotuner, Jeep, Thar, Hundai Creta, Maruti Ciaz, Breeza etc are seized in this drive. The traffic police have seized 05 vehicles involved in one four-wheeler for reverse riding by using spikes, and 02 numbers of two wheelers wrong side driving and one two-wheeler seized in dangerous driving with DD.
The offenders, who were heavily intoxicated, attempted to evade capture by making U-turns and driving dangerously in reverse, police were prepared for such eventualities and used spikes to halt and seize these vehicles. Criminal cases have been filed against 15 individuals who were found to be heavily intoxicated and engaged in reverse riding, with some even attempting to run over police personnel while obstructing them in the discharge of their duties.
The police have adopted a “Zero Tolerance Approach” towards such reckless behaviour and are determined to bring these offenders to justice. The Commissionerate Police has recommended the suspension of driving licenses to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for those found guilty of drunken driving. Offenders will have to pay fines in court and obtain a release order before they can reclaim their seized vehicles.
Twin City Police Commissioner, Sri Sanjeeb Panda, emphasized the importance of road safety and urged the public to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. He stated, “The safety of our citizens is our top priority”. We urge everyone to refrain from drunken driving, as it poses significant danger not only to the violators but also to the public on the road. The Police is dedicated in their commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and will continue such drives to deter violators, said ACP Sarat Kumar Sahu, PRO Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar Cuttack.
