In a significant crackdown on drunk driving, Ahmedabad City Police arrested 200 individuals in a single night operation conducted on the night of June 10, 2024. The initiative aimed to curb the rising incidents of road accidents linked to alcohol consumption in the Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. Police teams conducted multiple checkpoints and patrols across key areas including Satellite, Vastrapur, and Maninagar, resulting in a large-scale enforcement action under the Motor Vehicles Act and Gujarat Prohibition Act.
What Happened — Full Details
The Ahmedabad Traffic Police, in coordination with the Crime Branch and local police stations such as the Satellite Police Station and Vastrapur Police Station, launched a city-wide anti-drunk driving campaign starting at 8 PM on June 10. The operation lasted until 4 AM on June 11, focusing on major traffic corridors including SG Highway, Ashram Road, and CG Road, known hotspots for nighttime drinking and driving.
Using breathalyzers and mobile testing units, police stopped over 1,500 vehicles randomly for screening. Out of these, 200 drivers tested positive for alcohol consumption beyond the permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03%, as mandated by Gujarat state law. The offenders included two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles such as taxis and auto-rickshaws.
Traffic Inspector Rahul Patel, leading the operation, stated, “This crackdown was launched following a recent surge in fatal road accidents attributed to drunk driving. We intend to send a strong message that violation of traffic and prohibition laws will not be tolerated.”
Who Was Arrested / Accused
The arrested individuals ranged in age from 22 to 55 years, with a majority being male drivers from Ahmedabad district. Police reports reveal that among the 200 arrested, 30 were repeat offenders with prior cases registered under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (driving under influence). Many were local residents from Ahmedabad’s Maninagar, Nikol, and Bapunagar areas.
Notably, 15 of those arrested were commercial vehicle drivers, which raises safety concerns given their responsibility for passenger lives. Police also detained 10 persons for attempting to bribe officers at checkpoints, adding charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Each accused was formally booked under Sections 185 and 188 of the Motor Vehicles Act, along with relevant clauses of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which prohibits consumption of alcohol in public places. Case numbers have been registered at the respective police stations, for example, Satellite Police Station FIR No. 147/2024.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the arrests, all accused were subjected to medical tests at designated government hospitals including Civil Hospital Ahmedabad to verify blood alcohol levels. The Ahmedabad City Magistrate Court began preliminary hearings on June 12, 2024, where bail pleas for some accused were rejected due to the severity of offenses and repeat history.
Legal experts note that offenders can face fines up to ₹10,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both, under the Motor Vehicles Act. Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties including license suspension for up to 3 years. The Gujarat Prohibition Act adds further penalties relating to illegal alcohol consumption.
The police have indicated that all evidence, including breathalyzer reports and CCTV footage from key checkpoints, will be presented in court. The operation is also linked with a wider crackdown on illegal liquor sales in Ahmedabad, coordinated with excise department officials.
Background and Prior Incidents
Ahmedabad has witnessed a troubling increase in road accidents involving alcohol over the past two years. According to the Ahmedabad Traffic Police annual report 2023, nearly 35% of fatal road accidents in the city involved drunk driving. Notably, a tragic crash on January 15, 2024, in Vastrapur claimed 4 lives and was caused by a drunk driver, triggering public demand for stricter enforcement.
The Gujarat government has intensified efforts to combat drunk driving, including awareness campaigns such as “Safe Roads Gujarat” and periodic night patrols. In 2023, the state also amended the Motor Vehicles Rules to empower police to conduct surprise breathalyzer tests without prior notice.
Experts emphasize that enforcement alone is insufficient, and call for combined focus on public education, responsible alcohol consumption, and better public transport options during late hours.
Official Response and Community Impact
Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar praised the police operation as a “milestone” in traffic safety efforts. He announced plans to increase funding for traffic surveillance technology, including automated breathalyzer kiosks at major junctions.
Local NGOs such as the Gujarat Road Safety Forum welcomed the crackdown but urged sustained measures including rehabilitation programs for offenders and stricter licensing controls for commercial drivers.
Residents of affected areas reported a visible police presence and expressed cautious optimism about improved road safety. However, some taxi and auto drivers voiced concerns about potential livelihood impacts and called for balanced enforcement with support measures.
What You Should Do:
- Do not drive after consuming alcohol. Gujarat law strictly prohibits driving under the influence, with severe penalties.
- If you suspect a drunk driver on the road, immediately report to Ahmedabad Traffic Police through their helpline number 100 or visit the nearest police station such as Maninagar Police Station.
- Use public transport or designated driver services during late-night hours to ensure personal and public safety.
- Employers and commercial vehicle operators should conduct regular checks and training on drunk driving consequences.
For further information on traffic rules and legal updates, citizens can refer to the Gujarat Police official website or visit the Ahmedabad Traffic Police headquarters at Shahibaug.