Pramesh S Jain
Just days after a Sea Bird company bus was involved in a fatal road accident that claimed over six lives,the Upparpet Traffic Police on Friday night intercepted another driver of the same company minutes before he began a scheduled trip to Goa from Gandhinagar.
The incident occurred while the driver identified as Diwakara,was driving a Bengaluru–Goa night service bus.
During routine inspection,the police inspector Krishnamurthy and his team stopped the bus and subjected the driver to a breathalyser test,which confirmed that he was intoxicated.
Senior officer told reporters that the driver was operating a sleeper private bus despite being under the influence of alcohol,raising serious concerns over passenger safety during night travel.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with drunk driving,especially in long-distance night bus services.
Following confirmation of alcohol consumption,the driver was immediately taken into police custody.The bus was stopped on the spot,and arrangements were made for another driver to continue the journey,ensuring the safety of passengers.
At the time of the incident,the bus was carrying around 30 passengers travelling to Goa.
The Upparpet Traffic Police have registered a case under drunk driving for further action.
The Upparpet traffic police have intensified the drive since Monday based on the city police commissioner’s order focusing on the private and public transport drivers to check drunk drive especially during festive seasons.
The drive is carried out on evening with an aim to ensure safety of passengers,a senior officer,said .
