Himachal: 478 people arrested for drunk driving in 15-day campaign

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh Police has arrested 478 people for drunk driving and recommended suspension of driving licences of 685 offenders. The action was taken during a 15-day special drive that began on September 24. The drive was launched in view of a rise in the number of drunk driving cases across the state and to curb the malpractice. Solan had the highest number of 70 people arrested for drunk driving, followed by Mandi (68), Baddi (53), Bilaspur (49), Kullu (39), Chamba (21), Shimla (19), Una and Sirmaur (17 each), Nurpur (16), Hamirpur (14), Kinnaur (11), Dehra police district (9) and Kangra (3). No offender was arrested from Lahaul and Spiti district. Besides, the Government Railway Police (GRP), Shimla, arrested 41 offenders, while GRP, Kangra arrested 31. Similarly, Solan district recommended the highest number of 134 driving licences for suspension, followed by Bilaspur (72), Mandi (65), Nurpur (55), Chamba (48), Kangra (43), Shimla (30), Kinnaur and Sirmaur (29 each), Baddi (27), Una (26), Hamirpur (20), Kullu (19), Dehra police district (16) and Lahaul and Spiti (4).

Additionally, the GRP recommended suspension of licences of 46 offenders in Shimla and 22 offenders in Kangra. During the drive, a total of 84,785 vehicles were checked in various districts and 1,848 challans were issued for drunk driving. DGP Atul Verma said, “Drunk driving is one of the major causes of road accidents. This campaign is part of our commitment to make roads safer for all. We once again appeal to the public to refrain from drunk driving and support our efforts in making Himachal Pradesh a safer place.” The DGP said the campaign aims to reduce drunk driving incidents and promote a culture of safe and responsible driving in the state. “This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that violators face appropriate consequences, thereby acting as a deterrent for others,” he said. The police have urged all citizens to continue following traffic rules and avoid drunk driving. “Any incident of drunk driving should be reported to the nearest police station or by dialling 112. We are committed to maintaining road safety and will continue to take strict action against those violating traffic rules,” the DGP said.