Road Safety – Telangana DGP Orders Action Against Officer After Minor Drives Car
Road Safety –Telangana Police have initiated disciplinary and legal action after a police officer allegedly allowed his six-year-old granddaughter to drive a car on a public road, raising serious concerns over road safety and responsible conduct by law enforcement personnel.
DGP Directs Immediate Disciplinary Measures
Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand has instructed officials to suspend the police officer involved in the incident and begin a departmental inquiry into the matter. The decision came after a video showing the child behind the steering wheel on a busy road gained widespread attention online and drew strong public criticism.
The DGP stated that such conduct was unacceptable, particularly from a serving police officer expected to uphold traffic regulations and ensure public safety. He directed the appropriate authority to take prompt disciplinary action and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Jurisdiction Clarified by Police Commissioner
Responding to the DGP’s directions, Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh clarified that the officer concerned is not currently serving under the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate. Despite this, the commissioner confirmed that a report had been forwarded to the competent authority recommending the officer’s immediate suspension and the initiation of departmental proceedings.
The clarification was shared publicly, indicating that the administrative process had already been set in motion to ensure appropriate action is taken through the relevant department.
Criminal Case Registered Against Officer
Police have also registered a criminal case against Sub-Inspector Pujari Thirupathi for allegedly allowing the minor child to operate the vehicle. According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday evening on Gandhamguda Road, which falls within the jurisdiction of Narsingi Police Station.
Authorities said the officer has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Sections 184 and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act. These provisions relate to permitting unsafe driving and allowing an unauthorized person to drive a motor vehicle. Investigators confirmed that the inquiry into the incident is continuing.
Public Questions Officer’s Conduct
Witnesses at the scene reportedly objected after noticing the young child driving the car on a road used by regular traffic. During the exchange, the girl is said to have informed bystanders that her grandfather was a police sub-inspector.
The officer reportedly defended his actions by explaining that the vehicle was equipped with an automatic transmission and that he maintained control throughout the drive. However, those present questioned how a police officer could ignore traffic laws that are intended to protect public safety.
Several people urged him to avoid using public roads for such activities and suggested that, if he wished to introduce the child to driving, it should be done only in a secure and open area where there would be no risk to other road users.
Viral Video Sparks Official Response
The matter attracted significant public attention after a video of the incident circulated widely across social media platforms. The footage prompted criticism from many users, who called for strict action because the incident involved a serving police officer.
Following the widespread reaction, police authorities reviewed the case and initiated both legal proceedings and departmental action. Officials have reiterated that traffic regulations apply equally to every citizen, including members of the police force, and that violations affecting public safety will be addressed through established legal procedures.