CM Shinde calls for strict action against drunk driving cases, pubs operating till late at night

Eknath Shinde directed the police to take strong action and penalize those found driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

mumbai hit and run, shinde sena leader arrested

The direction comes a day after a speeding BMW car hit a scooter in Mumbai's Worli area on Sunday morning, leading to the death of a 45-year-old woman. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Directing the Mumbai Police Commissioner to take strict action in the BMW hit-and-run case and spare none found guilty, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday instructed the administration to check people driving vehicles on roads, squares and crowded places and initiate stringent action against those found drunk while driving.

The direction comes a day after a speeding BMW car hit a scooter in Mumbai’s Worli area on Sunday morning, leading to the death of a 45-year-old woman.

Underlining the need to carry more checks at night and during the weekends, Shinde directed the police to take strong action and penalize those found driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol. According to the CM office, Shinde has asked the police to take strong action against repeat offenders and cancel the driving licences of such vehicle drivers.

The Chief Minister also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police to regularly check pubs, bars and restaurants and check if they have the necessary licences, are following the rules and regulations related to noise pollution and adhering to the operation timings.

This direction was issued after police probe revealed that the man who was behind the wheels of the BMW car—Mihir Shah (24)— was at a bar with four of his friends hours before the accident.

Shinde directed that stringent action be taken against the establishments running till late in the night and ordered to cancel their licences. He also asked the municipal corporation and the police to work in coordination to take necessary action.

Shinde said his government was committed to ensure the safety of people and smooth enforcement of law and order and that he would not tolerate wealthy politicians attempting to manipulate the system.

The accused in the case–Mihir Shah–is the son of Rajesh Shah, a senior leader of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Mumbai police have issued a lookout circular (LoC) against Mihir and arrested his father and driver for allegedly helping him escape after the accident.

“Whoever is guilty in these cases, bureaucrats, children of people’s representatives of any party, no matter how rich and influential they are will not be supported,” said Shinde adding that he and the government stood firmly with the victims and their families.

The Chief Minister also suggested authorities to create public awareness about the adverse effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.

First uploaded on: 08-07-2024 at 22:32 IST

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