A normally calm night at a busy junction in Hyderabad took an unexpected turn when traffic police faced a startling situation during a drunk-driving inspection. The incident unfolded at the Chandrayangutta Charasta in the Old City area, where officers were conducting standard late-night checks to curb intoxicated driving. What began as a regular enforcement exercise quickly escalated into a tense standoff, leaving onlookers shocked and authorities alert.
The Old City region is known for heavy night-time movement, especially by autos and two-wheelers. To prevent accidents and ensure public safety, traffic officials had intensified monitoring at key junctions. Amid this effort, one auto-rickshaw was stopped for suspicion of alcohol consumption by the driver, triggering a chain of events no one anticipated.
Driver Stopped Under Suspicion
According to officials present at the scene, the auto driver appeared visibly unsteady while approaching the checkpoint. His behavior raised immediate concern among the officers, prompting them to signal him to halt the vehicle. As per procedure, the police began questioning him and prepared to conduct a breath analysis test.
Instead of cooperating, the driver reportedly started behaving aggressively. Witnesses noted that he was under the influence of alcohol and appeared anxious and irritated. Traffic personnel attempted to calm him down, explaining the legal process and urging compliance. However, the situation soon slipped out of control.
A Shocking Turn of Events
In a move that stunned everyone present, the driver suddenly reached inside his auto and pulled out a live snake. The unexpected sight created instant panic at the checkpoint. Traffic police stepped back instinctively, while commuters and pedestrians nearby froze in fear.
The act appeared to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate officials and escape the situation. Holding the snake, the driver allegedly threatened the traffic personnel, warning them not to approach him. For a brief moment, chaos prevailed at the junction, as people scrambled to maintain distance while ensuring no one was harmed.
Police Response and Crowd Reaction
Despite the alarming turn, traffic officers showed restraint and presence of mind. They avoided provoking the driver further and immediately alerted senior officials and nearby patrol units. Meanwhile, the crowd that had gathered watched in disbelief, many capturing the incident on their mobile phones.
The presence of a wild reptile in a public space heightened the risk, not just for law enforcement but also for civilians. Police ensured that traffic movement was temporarily diverted to prevent accidents and injuries. Their priority was to neutralize the threat without escalating the danger.
Situation Brought Under Control
Within minutes, additional police forces reached the spot. With careful coordination, officers managed to secure the area and disarm the driver. The snake was safely taken away with the help of trained handlers, ensuring it was not harmed during the process.
The auto driver was then taken into custody for questioning. Medical tests later confirmed that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. Authorities also seized the vehicle and registered multiple charges against him, including drunk driving, obstruction of duty, and creating public panic.
Legal Consequences Await Driver
Police officials stated that strict action would be taken against the accused. Apart from violating traffic laws, his actions posed a serious threat to public safety and animal welfare. Legal experts noted that such behavior could attract severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, under relevant sections of the law.
Officials emphasized that drunk driving checks are conducted to protect lives, and any attempt to evade or threaten officers will be dealt with firmly. The incident has been reported to senior departments, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine how the driver obtained the snake and why he chose such a dangerous tactic.
Rising Challenges for Traffic Police
This Chandrayangutta drunk drive incident highlights the growing challenges faced by traffic police during night patrols. While intoxicated driving itself is a major concern, unpredictable behavior from offenders adds another layer of risk for enforcement teams.
Traffic authorities have been increasingly encountering aggressive responses during checks, ranging from verbal abuse to physical intimidation. Incidents like this underline the need for enhanced safety measures, additional manpower, and quick-response support during late-night operations.
Public Safety Takes Center Stage
Residents of the area expressed concern over the incident, stating that such acts endanger innocent people. Many locals appreciated the calm handling of the situation by traffic police, noting that a single misstep could have resulted in injuries or worse.
Officials reiterated that public cooperation is crucial for maintaining road safety. Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents, and enforcement drives are essential to reduce fatalities. They urged citizens to avoid alcohol consumption before driving and to respect the law enforcement personnel performing their duties.
The dramatic events at Chandrayangutta serve as a reminder that traffic rules exist for a reason. What might seem like a minor violation can quickly escalate into a dangerous episode affecting many lives.
Authorities plan to strengthen awareness campaigns and continue rigorous checks across Hyderabad to prevent similar incidents. The message is clear: reckless behavior on the road, especially under the influence of alcohol, will not be tolerated.