Mumbai: DUI cases up six-fold

Traffic department data shows that drunken driving cases in the city surged six-fold from January to September this year. A total of 6,762 cases were registered in 2024, compared to 1,217 during the same period last year. Several major drunken-driving incidents this year have resulted in fatalities involving pedestrians and other drivers.

Between 2007 and 2009, traffic police launched a massive crackdown on drunken driving, booking 36,000 people and securing 31,000 convictions. Of those, 17,000 were imprisoned, and 32,000 had their licences suspended. The crackdown had a significant impact, deterring citizens from driving under the influence.

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Vishakh Patel

However, a decade-and-a-half later, Mumbai's Traffic Police reports a sharp rise in such cases once again. According to the police, there has been a sharp rise in drunken driving cases as they have intensified screenings through regular bandobasts. "There are regular bandobasts at night, and we frequently change locations to catch those involved in crime. Vehicles are checked regularly. Special drives have been conducted during festivals and New Year," a police official said.

The traffic police also take the alleged offenders to the nearest police station to report the incident. "Once we apprehend any accused, we first take them to the nearest police station, and action is then taken according to the law. Moreover, we request people not to drink and drive," the official added.

While speaking with mid-day, M Raamkumar, additional commissioner of the Traffic Department, said that they are vigilant throughout the city to curb instances of drinking and driving. "Our officials have been monitoring the city; there is a rise in cases due to regular checkpoints in the city," he said.

Recent incidents

One high-profile case was the Worli hit-and-run on July 7. Mihir Shah allegedly ran over Kaveri Nakhwa, leading to her death. Police said Shah, accompanied by his driver Rajrishi Bidawat, was drunk at the time. "Shah took the BMW from Marine Drive, and near Atria Mall in Worli, hit a couple on a two-wheeler. Pradeep Nakhwa sustained injuries, while Kaveri was dragged for up to 3 kilometres. Bidawat then took control of the car and ran over her while making a U-turn," police said.

Vishakh Patel and his damaged car. Pics/Rajesh Gupta

Shah was arrested on July 9, but his blood tests came back negative for alcohol, and he remains in judicial custody. In another incident on August 25, police arrested Vishakh Patel, 27, after a collision that killed his friend, Dr Vibhuti Khatri, a dentist from Chembur. Patel's blood tested positive for alcohol.

According to Vikhroli police, Patel initially blamed a container truck for the accident, claiming it caused the collision. However, investigations revealed that Patel was driving under the influence. "Vishakh tried to mislead the investigation, but medical tests and technical evidence revealed the truth," police said. Patel had been driving Dr Khatri home when his car collided with another vehicle, causing her severe injuries. She was rushed to Lilavati hospital but later died from her injuries. Police charged Patel with negligence after confirming his intoxication.

The legal alcohol limit in India is 0.03 per cent, but Patel's blood alcohol level was 0.145 per cent. He remains in judicial custody. A family member of Dr Khatri expressed concerns that Patel would be released on bail. "He will get out on bail. We just want justice. Khatri told him not to drive as he was drunk, but he didn't listen, and the accident happened. He has good contacts and will likely get bail," the family member told mid-day.

In a similar incident on July 22, an Audi driver collided head-on with an auto-rickshaw on Dumping Road in Mulund West, causing a chain-reaction crash. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind his mobile phone. Four people were injured and later released from the hospital.

Senior Police Inspector Ajay Joshi said the accused, Vijay Dattarey Gore, 43, fled without assisting the injured. "We traced the car to Gore, who was hiding at his sister's home. He was detained and arrested. His blood tests were positive for alcohol, and although he applied for bail, it was rejected by the sessions court. He has now approached the high court," Joshi added.