Strict action for New Year violations; special drunk driving checks from Wednesday

Warning that there would be no leniency for excesses in the name of New Year celebrations, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Tuesday announced special city-wide enforcement drives, including intensified drunk driving checks from Wednesday till New Year’s Day.

Chairing a video conference with field-level officers at the Telangana Integrated Command Control Centre in Banjara Hills, the Commissioner said strict action would be taken against those creating disturbances on roads, indulging in rash driving, racing or wheeling, or violating public order during the festive period. He said found driving under the influence of alcohol would face vehicle seizure, a fine of ₹10,000, six-month jail term and even permanent cancellation of driving licences.

As part of the New Year enforcement plan, drunk driving checks will be conducted at 100 locations across the city on the night of December 31, with seven additional platoons deployed for the purpose. The Commissioner advised revellers attending parties to arrange for designated drivers or use cab services.

Reviewing security arrangements for Christmas, Vaikuntha Ekadashi and New Year celebrations, Mr.Sajjanar directed officers to ensure robust bandobast across the city. He instructed that personnel be deployed in sensitive locations, crime hotspots based on past data and crowded areas, while maintaining continuous surveillance on known offenders to prevent untoward incidents.

Clear guidelines were also issued to establishments hosting celebrations. The Commissioner said New Year events at pubs and three-star and above hotels would be permitted only until 1 a.m. on December 31 night. Sound pollution norms must be strictly adhered to, failing which sound systems would be seized. He warned that venue managements would be held responsible if ganja or other narcotics were used, or if obscene performances were allowed, and that licences would be cancelled and criminal cases registered in such instances.

Emphasising women’s safety, the official said 15 SHE Teams in plain clothes would closely monitor crowded areas, party venues and major junctions. Anyone found behaving indecently towards women would be arrested immediately, he said.

Stating that New Year celebrations should remain “sweet memories and not bitter experiences”, Mr.Sajjanar appealed to citizens to respect the law and usher in 2026 safely.

The video conference was attended by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes) M. Srinivasulu and several Deputy Commissioners of Police, along with other senior officials of the Hyderabad police commissionerate.