180 caught for drunk driving during overnight op

Indore: Police in an overnight combing and cordon operation caught 180 drunk drivers leaving a visible message against reckless driving under influence of alcohol — a growing concern for late-night commuters and families.Additional commissioner of police Amit Singh said the operation was carried out on the intervening night of Feb13 and 14 across multiple crime-prone pockets of the city. Entry and exit points were sealed while teams checked vehicles, public spaces and sensitive areas. Traffic enforcement formed the core of the drive, with 180 drivers caught drunk under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. In total, 360 motorists were penalised for violations ranging from modified silencers and illegal number plates to vehicles without registration and cars with black films. Several motorcycles were seized during the checks.A senior officer said the focus was public safety. "Drunk driving puts innocent lives at risk. We are receiving repeated complaints from citizens about late-night racing and reckless behaviour. Such action is meant to protect families returning home at night," he said.Alongside traffic violations, teams executed 162 pending warrants, including 12 permanent and 45 arrest against absconding accused. Cases were also registered under the NDPS Act against five people found consuming illegal narcotics, while 18 others were booked for illegal liquor sale or drinking in public places. Two house owners were booked under Section 223 of BNS for failing to provide tenant details.Police also conducted a flag march in sensitive areas and held neighbourhood meetings warning residents about drug abuse and cyber fraud. Officers said coordinated night operations will continue as part of a sustained effort to make public spaces safer and discourage habitual offenders.