Kurnool bus fire: Sajjanar calls drunk drivers ‘terrorists on road’, vows zero tolerance in Hyderabad
The commissioner said the ghastly Kurnool incident was not a road mishap in the usual sense, but a result of criminal negligence
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Condemning the recent Kurnool bus accident that claimed 20 lives, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar came down heavily on drunk driving, describing those who drive under the influence as ‘terrorists on the road.’
He asserted that such acts are ‘not accidents but preventable crimes’ that destroy families and futures.
‘Not an accident, but a massacre’
The commissioner said the ghastly Kurnool incident was not a road mishap in the usual sense, but a result of criminal negligence.
The tragedy occurred when an intoxicated biker, B Shiva Shankar, rammed into a private bus in the early hours of Friday, triggering a massive collision that left 20 people dead.
“His decision to ride under the influence turned a moment of arrogance into a catastrophe that wiped out entire families within seconds,” Sajjanar said. CCTV footage showed the biker refuelling his motorcycle at 2:24 am, barely 15 minutes before the fatal crash at 2:39 am.
‘Drunk driving is a crime, not a mistake’
Reiterating his tough stance, the commissioner declared that drunk drivers are no different from terrorists, as they ‘kill innocents without intent but with equal devastation.’
“Drunk driving is not a mistake; it’s a crime that shatters lives,” he said. “Those who choose to drive drunk must face the full weight of the law. We cannot allow such recklessness to go unchecked.”
Zero-tolerance policy in Hyderabad
Sajjanar also announced that the Hyderabad City Police will strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy against drunk driving. Every offender caught behind the wheel under the influence will face stringent legal action.
“There will be no leniency, no exceptions, and no mercy for those who endanger innocent lives,” he warned. “This is not just a policing issue, it’s a societal responsibility.”
Public urged to join the fight against drunk driving
The commissioner appealed to citizens to act responsibly and discourage drunk driving within their circles. He urged people to report intoxicated drivers and cooperate with police during nighttime enforcement checks.
“Lives are not lost because of fate, but because of someone’s criminal choice to drink and drive,” Sajjanar stressed. “Every citizen must play a role in ending this menace.”
Background: Kurnool Bus Tragedy
The accident near Kurnool occurred when the biker, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control and crashed into a bus carrying passengers. The impact led to a fire and multiple fatalities, making it one of the worst road tragedies in recent times.
