68 set to lose licence for drunken driving in Mandi

Special 15-day campaign results in 176 fines; 66 detained for being unfit to drive

MANDI: To curb drunken driving, the Mandi police in Himachal Pradesh have launched a major crackdown, resulting in the cancellation of licences for 68 habitual offenders and the detention of 66 drivers who were deemed unfit to operate vehicles after consuming alcohol.

Over a 15-day period, the police issued 176 fines to violators as part of a statewide campaign initiated by the Himachal Pradesh Police.

Repeated offenders targeted

According to Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, the campaign targeted drivers who repeatedly violated the law by driving under the influence of alcohol. During the enforcement period, police checkpoints were set up across the district to monitor and apprehend violators.

Of the 176 tickets issued, 68 were handed to drivers who had previously been fined for the same offence. These repeat offenders have now been reported to the transport department, with recommendations to permanently cancel their driving licences.

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“Driving under the influence of alcohol is not just a violation of traffic rules—it poses a serious threat to public safety. These individuals endanger not only their own lives but also the lives of others on the road,” said SP Sakshi Verma. She also urged all motorists to refrain from drinking and driving, emphasising the potentially lethal consequences.

66 drivers detained for extreme intoxication

In addition to the fines, the police detained 66 individuals found to be in an unfit state to drive due to extreme intoxication. “These drivers were not in control of their vehicles and posed an immediate danger,” SP Verma noted. The detentions were made to prevent possible road accidents, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The strict enforcement was part of a broader statewide campaign, which ran from September 24 to October 8, aimed at reducing road accidents caused by drunken driving. The campaign sought to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence and to foster a culture of responsible driving across Himachal Pradesh.

The initiative is also part of a long-term strategy to promote safe driving habits. “The goal is to reduce road accidents, save lives, and create an environment where responsible driving becomes the norm. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents, and we are committed to addressing this issue head-on,” SP Verma stated.

Police urge public cooperation

As part of the ongoing effort, the Mandi police have reiterated their commitment to continue this campaign and enforce strict penalties on violators. They also called on the public to cooperate by avoiding driving after consuming alcohol and by reporting instances of drunk driving to the authorities.

This sustained effort by the police is expected to act as a deterrent for drivers, making the roads safer for everyone. “We will not tolerate drunk driving in Mandi or anywhere in Himachal Pradesh,” Verma added, signalling that similar initiatives may be rolled out across the state in the future.