Latest news with #OperationU-Turn
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Op U-Turn: 336 caught driving drunk in 8 days
1 2 Nagpur: Cracking down on drunk driving under 'Operation U-Turn,' Nagpur city police have booked as many as 336 individuals in just eight days. The drive, which focused on night hours and high-risk zones, included intensified nakabandis, breathalyser tests, and increased patrolling across the city. According to official data, the Indora traffic zone registered the highest number of offenders. A total of 71 individuals were booked for driving under the influence of liquor after police checked 367 people in that area. Sonegaon zone followed closely with 42 drivers booked out of 52 individuals tested. This ratio suggests one of the highest concentrations of drunk drivers in the city. MIDC and Kamptee zones recorded 40 cases each, with checks conducted on 129 and 133 motorists, respectively. These areas, which include industrial and suburban sectors, have shown consistent patterns of violations, according to police. Lakadganj zone registered 36 cases from 43 tested individuals. In Ajni, police booked 26 drunk drivers after checking 123 motorists. Meanwhile, the Sadar zone reported 29 bookings from 45 tests. In contrast, Cotton Market saw just 23 violations despite the police checking 275 individuals, one of the highest sample sizes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Sitabuldi recorded the lowest with 18 cases from 25 checks, while Sakkardara saw 21 offenders out of 147 tested. Police have clarified that this focused campaign targets night-time and weekend traffic, especially in areas with bars activity or youth gatherings. A total of 1,339 individuals were tested across all zones, making the operation one of the most extensive in recent times. Senior officers confirmed that repeat offenders will face stricter penalties, including license suspension and court proceedings. They also added that cases where drivers refuse breath tests will be treated seriously and penalised under relevant provisions. The traffic control branch, under the supervision of police commissioner Ravinder Singal, DCP Lohit Matani and ACP Madhuri Baviskar, is leading the campaign. More mobile units are expected to be deployed soon across the city.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Picture taken by traffic police on personal mobiles not legal: CP
Nagpur: In a decisive move to enhance road safety, Nagpur City Police, under commissioner of police Ravinder Singal, launched 'Operation U-Turn,' a robust campaign targeting drunk driving to reduce fatal road accidents. Speaking at the launch alongside DCP traffic Lohit Matani, Singal stressed strict enforcement, prohibiting traffic cops from using mobile phones to photograph violations to ensure procedural integrity. The initiative addresses drunk driving, a leading cause of road fatalities, through stringent enforcement and widespread public awareness. 'Operation U-Turn' features 33 city-wide nakabandis equipped with breath analysers to test drivers, with offenders facing charges under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Late-night checkpoints from 11pm to 2am will target five high-risk areas with a history of drunk driving incidents. Statistics released by city police underscored that the highest numbers of accidents take place from 9pm to midnight, while another vulnerable time frame is between 6pm to 9pm. The most fatal accident victims are two-wheeler riders, followed by pedestrians. Vehicles of violators will be seized and held at zonal traffic offices, while repeat offenders will face prosecution under Section 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempting culpable homicide. Driving licences of those caught will be suspended, with cancellations for repeat violations. A centralised database will track offenders to ensure consistent action. To boost awareness, banners and audio warnings will be deployed in pubs, permit rooms, bars, and lounges, urging patrons to avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Smart traffic booths will broadcast anti-drunk-driving messages, and a comprehensive publicity campaign will engage colleges, universities, corporate offices, and community centres to educate citizens about the dangers of drunk driving. CP Singal emphasised, "We've reduced accident fatalities by 22%, but our goal is zero. 'Operation U-Turn' aims to cut fatalities by at least 50%. Seven govt agencies are collaborating, and with collective effort, zero fatalities is achievable. " He noted that Maharashtra's road fatality rate surpasses most Indian states and warned that hospitals refusing treatment to accident victims will face police action, reinforcing legal obligations. Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy detailed plans to focus on high-risk zones, leveraging data to optimise enforcement. DCP Matani underscored that vehicle seizures and licence cancellations will be strictly enforced for repeat offenders, with no leniency. The campaign builds on Nagpur Police's success, achieving a 20.22% reduction in fatal accidents (178 to 142) and a 21.13% drop in deaths (171 to 126) from January to June 2025 compared to 2024. 'Operation U-Turn' aims to further these gains, ensuring safer roads through enforcement, education, and community engagement. Citizens are urged to report drunk driving via police helplines to support this life-saving initiative.
