Cops book 311 cases of drunken driving in New Year’s Eve crackdown

PANAJI: While most people wouldn’t dare to drive home after a night of drinking on New Year’s Eve, over 300 revellers thought otherwise, only to have their vehicles and paperwork confiscated by Goa Police.

A total of 311 people were booked for drunken driving during a special drive on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1. A total of 119 violators were caught in North Goa despite it having a prominent tourism and nightlife scenario. In South Goa, on the other hand, a total of 192 violators were caught.

The joint drive was conducted by the traffic police and the district police at several locations. Vehicles and documents of the violators were seized, the traffic cell stated in a circular that was issued on Tuesday.

“All the cases will be referred to appropriate court of law for prosecution. In cases where excessive alcohol content of more than 200 mg/100 ml was found, the police inspector will personally appear before the court along with the assistant public prosecutor to seek maximum punishment of imprisonment and suspension of licence of the violators highlighting the gravity of the offence,” the circular read.

In an alarming revelation, a tourist bus from Maharashtra carrying about 25 passengers, mostly comprising ladies and children, was intercepted at the Divja Circle, Panaji. Upon being subjected to an alcometer test, the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and not in possession of a driving licence.

“The irresponsible bus driver not only endangered the other road users on the road, but also put the lives of his passengers in peril. The bus has been detained and a case has been booked against the driver,” the statement read.

The Goa traffic police further stated that in future, more such drives will be held.