Pune: A policewoman suspended earlier this week for allegedly driving under the influence. A viral video that shows a drunk motorist ramming into multiple two-wheelers. Pune’s problem of drunk driving is once again back in focus, with data now showing that as many as 7,379 offences were registered within just the first eight months of this year, 12% more than last year’s entire total (6,602 cases).The increase is even more alarming if one were to compare the data with 2023 figures, when only 562 cases were registered.Police officials TOI spoke to said the Jan-Aug numbers are indeed worrisome. “This year’s figures exceed those of all previous years,” said additional commissioner of police, Manoj Patil. “We have been working to control drunk driving, but our efforts have to be intensified, with greater emphasis on night patrols and random checks. This is a serious offence. Lives are at risk,” he said.Residents said drunk motorists were now a common sight in the city. “Almost every evening, we see obvious signs of a vehicle being driven by someone under the influence,” said Vishal Khatir, a working professional who lives in VimannagarHe said that last month he was almost assaulted by a group travelling in a car after he confronted them. “Bystanders came to my rescue. This group stopped the car, surrounded me and threatened to beat me up. Even their speech was slurring. And I have hardly ever seen police patrols in the area,” he said.Animesh Sherkha, a Koregaon Park resident, said drunk driving was commonplace in the area, despite police presence. “It’s indeed a problem, given the number of bars and restaurants here. It’s unfortunate that even after the Porsche incident (in 2024), city police have been unable to clamp down.”A retired RTO official TOI spoke to said a critical countermeasure could be cancellation of driving licences. “Just last month, the police actually recommended suspension or cancellation of around 1,700 driving licences for serious traffic violations, including drunk driving. In my view, the state government should consider allowing authorities to permanently cancel the licences of anyone caught driving under the influence, without the possibility of reissuance,” the retired official said, adding that such measures could be backed by tougher penalties, including vehicle confiscation, higher fines and imprisonment.Harshad Abhyankar, a member of the Save Pune Traffic Movement said it was time enforcement moved beyond routine checks and fines. “Drink driving is often treated as an issue of indiscipline, prompting the usual suggestions of increased surveillance and higher fines. A dedicated campaign over several months can help curb the problem, but authorities also need to think differently and explore innovative measures,” he said.Salunke Vihar Road resident Atul Pirodkar highlighted another concern: open drinking near liquor shops. “A good example is the shop near my house. I see people drinking in the open every day. Surely, the police are aware of the problem. Residents of NIBM Road Annexe, barely 3 km away, have also been complaining about late-evening disturbances caused by people under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
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