Hyderabad: Panic gripped the IT corridor of Gachibowli on Saturday morning after a speeding Mercedes-Benz allegedly rammed into a vehicle and dragged a traffic constable on its bonnet for nearly a kilometre while attempting to flee. The incident occurred near the IIIT Junction, a busy stretch frequented by office-goers and students.
According to officials of the Hyderabad City Police, the accused has been identified as 24-year-old Gurrampati Tarun, a resident of Narsingi. He was arrested shortly after the incident and later remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a local magistrate.
Sequence of events at IIIT Junction
Preliminary investigations revealed that Tarun was allegedly driving the luxury vehicle at high speed after consuming alcohol. Police said he first rammed into another vehicle near the junction, causing alarm among commuters.
A traffic constable on duty signalled him to stop. Instead of complying, the accused allegedly accelerated in a bid to escape. In the process, the constable reportedly fell onto the bonnet of the car and was dragged for nearly a kilometre as the driver continued speeding.
Eyewitnesses said other motorists honked and attempted to alert the driver, while some alerted nearby police personnel. The car was eventually intercepted with the help of other officers and members of the public, preventing what could have turned into a far more serious tragedy.
The injured constable sustained minor injuries and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. Doctors have stated that his condition is stable and he is out of danger.
Breath analyser test and legal action
Police officials confirmed that a breath analyser test conducted on the accused showed alcohol levels far exceeding the permissible limit under the Motor Vehicles Act. Based on the constable’s complaint and available CCTV footage from the junction and surrounding areas, two separate cases have been registered.
The charges include rash and negligent driving, endangering life, and obstructing a public servant from discharging duty. Relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Motor Vehicles Act have also been invoked.
Investigators are analysing CCTV footage to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and determine the speed at which the vehicle was travelling at the time of the incident. Officials said further legal sections may be added depending on the findings.
Concern over rising reckless driving cases
The incident has once again brought attention to cases of drunk and reckless driving in metropolitan cities, particularly in high-density zones such as IT corridors. Gachibowli, which houses several multinational companies, educational institutions and residential complexes, witnesses heavy vehicular movement, especially during peak hours.
Senior police officials reiterated that strict enforcement drives against drunk driving are regularly conducted across the city, particularly on weekends. They warned that those found violating traffic norms would face stringent action.
“Driving under the influence not only endangers the driver’s life but also poses a grave threat to innocent road users and on-duty personnel. We will not tolerate such behaviour,” a senior officer said.
Accused shifted to judicial custody
After his arrest, Tarun was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. He has since been shifted to Kandi Jail in Sangareddy district.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and statements from witnesses are being recorded. Authorities are also assessing the damage caused to the other vehicle involved in the collision.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving and the critical importance of responsible behaviour on public roads. Swift intervention by fellow motorists and police personnel likely prevented the situation from escalating further.