Drunk driving could lead to licence cancellation in Kerala; Govt plans strict action, says Chennithala

Thiruvananthapuram: The government is planning to cancel the driving licences of those caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the move. Senior police officials are holding discussions with the Transport Minister on the matter. Chennithala warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.

Driving under the influence of alcohol cannot be accepted under any circumstances. The police will not extend any relaxations to those who violate the law in this manner. Instructions have been issued to take stringent legal action against such offenders. Checks will be intensified across the state to identify those driving under the influence of alcohol. Special police combing operations will also be conducted across Kerala at night, the Home Minister said.

So far, the police have arrested around 17,000 people in cases related to drunk driving. The police are responsible for ensuring the safety of ordinary pedestrians and road users. The police are also conducting traffic training and awareness programmes for the public to reduce the number of road accidents, Chennithala said.

He also said that speeding and competitive racing by private buses would not be permitted under any circumstances. Careless driving that threatens the lives of pedestrians will be strictly curbed. Instructions have been issued to all district police chiefs to take firm action against rash drivers. Everyone is responsible for complying with traffic rules. The police will continue strong action against traffic violations along the lines of Operation Toofan, he added.

The Home Minister also announced that the second phase of Operation Toofan, called 'Toofan Care', would begin on November 16. The initiative aims to rehabilitate people addicted to drugs and help them return to normal life. Around 35 hospitals have agreed to cooperate with the programme. A meeting of representatives of these hospitals will be convened in Thiruvananthapuram. Police de-addiction centres have already helped several people return to normal life, Ramesh Chennithala said.

Operation Toofan has received considerable public support. As part of the initiative, the police have seized large quantities of narcotic drugs. According to the State Crime Records Bureau, crime in the state has declined by 35 per cent. Road accidents and local conflicts have also reduced.

Operation Toofan will continue as an ongoing initiative. The media and the public are extending strong support to the programme. Special action plans will be formulated and implemented to prevent the younger generation from falling into drug addiction, Chennithala said.