358 imprisoned for drunken driving in Hyderabad

Despite efforts by the Hyderabad Traffic Police to curb drunk driving through enforcement drives, as many as 358 persons were sent to jail on charges of drunk driving and over 20 driving licenses were cancelled permanently between May 1 and May 18.

The city traffic police filed 2,088 charge sheets against persons caught driving drunk.

The violators were produced before the third and fourth Metropolitan Magistrate courts in Nampally and 358 drunk drivers were given jail term of one to 30 days. Driving licences of 70 persons were also suspended.

A fine of ₹44.67 lakh was collected from the offenders and they were sent to Chanchalguda Central Prison.

Minors caught

Meanwhile, three minors were sent to juvenile homes for seven days on charges of driving. Over 100 persons were caught driving without a licence or using a cell phone while driving and were also awarded imprisonment ranging from one day to seven days.

Officials said those caught and convicted for drunk driving were likely to face difficulties in securing government jobs, passport and visa clearance.

Violators committing such offences would be sent for counselling at the Traffic Training Institutions at Goshamahal and Begumpet.