KOLKATA: The cops on Tuesday started special anti drink-driving prosecutions across 50-odd spots in the city — an annual exercise keeps drink driving at bay during the year-end festive season. But this year, prosecuting a person became difficult owing to the complete ban on use of breathalyzers.
Cops booked as many as 26 people during the three-hour drive, which started from 10.30pm. Though Tuesday’s focus was on two-wheelers, cops said specific drives against private vehicle drivers, too, will be carried out soon.
“We have prosecuted 326 persons for violating safety rules while driving or riding across the city in the same drive,” said DC (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar. This is more than the combined 321 prosecutions of the past four nights put together.
With the Christmas weekend approaching, the cops have decided to step up these late-night raids beyond 1am. Starting Wednesday, raids will begin as early as 9pm.
The drive began after sergeants across 25 traffic guards were provided specific instructions by the police top brass. “Concentrate your teams near bars, intercept two-wheeler riders and give them tests to perform (usually asking them to count the fingers, ask drivers to walk straight and to try and fetch a particular car-related document from multiple documents). If they fail, send them to hospital through local police. Use body cameras compulsorily during interception (so cops cannot be challenged later). Follow all Covid guidelines,” the order stated.