India

Keralam Home Minister Promises Tough Measures Against Drunk and Reckless Driving

By PTI

On Monday, Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that the state will take stringent action against erratic driving, traffic law violations, and driving while intoxicated. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennithala warned that the protection offered by the Juvenile Justice Act will not excuse such offences and that the government may amend the Act if necessary. He urged parents to prevent underage children from driving. The minister emphasized that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be met with harsh penalties. His remarks come amid a series of road accidents involving minors, some of whom were intoxicated, resulting in fatalities. Chennithala said he has instructed police across the state to act decisively in cases of drunk driving and that combing operations will be conducted. He also cited a recent inspection that found 57 school bus drivers in the state operating under the influence while transporting children. “Imagine parents sending children to school in the morning and the driver of the bus happens to be intoxicated. Strict action will be taken against such persons, there will be no compromise,” he said. Chennithala added that erratic driving, high‑speed racing, and violations of traffic rules, especially among private buses, will not be tolerated. He indicated that the government is considering revoking licences of private bus drivers who drive at high speeds and cause accidents. On Sunday, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan reiterated that there would be no compromise on road safety and that strict action would be taken against reckless driving and dangerous racing between private buses on state roads. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.