Police Suspend Hyderabad Officer After Minor Granddaughter Drove Car On Public Road
Officer suspended after minor drove car publicly.
A Hyderabad police officer has been suspended after allegedly allowing his minor granddaughter to drive a car on a busy road, prompting disciplinary action and criminal proceedings. The incident, which occurred on the Gandhamguda–Bairagiguda Road on Sunday, triggered widespread criticism after videos and eyewitness accounts highlighted the apparent violation of traffic laws and raised concerns over public safety. The officer has been identified as Pujari Thirupathi. According to officials, the incident created a traffic jam and posed a risk to other road users as the minor was seen driving the vehicle through a busy stretch.
The matter drew public attention when bystanders confronted the officer and questioned his decision to permit the child to take the wheel. Eyewitnesses alleged that instead of acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, the officer defended his actions when confronted by members of the public. The reported response further fuelled criticism, with many questioning the conduct of a law enforcement official expected to uphold traffic regulations. The incident soon came to the notice of senior police authorities, who initiated immediate action.
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The Cyberabad Traffic Police subsequently registered a criminal case against Thirupathi. In a statement posted on X, the police said the case had been registered under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 184 and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act, for allegedly permitting a minor to drive a motor vehicle within the jurisdiction of the Narsingi Police Station. Police said the officer has also been placed under suspension pending further inquiry. The disciplinary action reflects the department's response to allegations involving one of its personnel and underscores its stated commitment to enforcing road safety laws without exception.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is continuing and that further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, allowing an underage person to operate a motor vehicle is a punishable offence. The law places responsibility on the vehicle owner or the person in control of the vehicle for permitting a minor to drive. Such violations are treated seriously because inexperienced and unlicensed drivers can pose significant risks to themselves and other road users.
The incident has renewed discussions on road safety and accountability, particularly when public officials are accused of violating the laws they are entrusted to enforce. Traffic experts have consistently stressed that preventing underage driving is essential to reducing road accidents and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations. Police have stated that the investigation remains underway and that appropriate legal action will follow based on the evidence collected. The case is expected to remain under scrutiny given the involvement of a serving police officer and the broader concerns it has raised about adherence to road safety norms.
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