Crackdown on drinking in public spots, drunk driving

Varanasi: Cracking the whip on those in the habit of consuming alcohol on roadside police launched a drive on Wednesday evening. On the very first day, 500 boozers faced legal action, while 303 vehicles were challaned and 26 were seized by the police.

Launching the drive, police commissioner Mohit Agrawal said stern action would be taken against those caught consuming liquor at public places and along roads. The drive was aimed at ensuring public peace, safety and road security, he said. Besides liquor shops in interior areas, even those located along Sigra-Mahmoorganj, Sonarpur, Central Jail, Varuna Bridge and Pandeypur, boozers occupy the road either by standing there to consume liquor or by parking their vehicles, especially from 7 pm till late night.

From Wednesday evening, police teams started raiding points where drinkers gather for liquor party at public places and drive under influence of alcohol. At the end of the first day, officials said major locations were checked, while teams ensured legal action against those drinking in public and driving drunk. Vehicles were seized, and fines were imposed on those violating traffic rules. Police initiated action against 294 persons under Police Act, while 173 were booked under sections of BNS. Police also seized 26 vehicles and fined 303 vehicles. tnn