Drunk Drivers Are Terrorists: Hyderabad Top Cop on Kurnool Bus Fire Tragedy That Killed 20
The heart-wrenching bus fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, which claimed the lives of 20 innocent people, has brought renewed focus on the deadly consequences of drunk driving. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has strongly condemned the act, describing drunk drivers as terrorists whose reckless behavior amounts to criminal negligence with devastating outcomes.
The Tragic Incident
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours near Chinna Tekuru village. The Kaveri Travels bus collided with a motorcycle that had skidded and come to a stationary position on the road. The motorcycle was being ridden by B. Shiva Shankar, a 21-year-old from Tandrapadu village near Kurnool, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. CCTV footage shows Shiva Shankar and his friend refueling the motorcycle around 2:24 a.m. before the collision happened at approximately 2:39 a.m.
Investigations revealed that the accident was not a mere road mishap but a preventable massacre. Shiva Shankar’s decision to drive while intoxicated led to a horrific chain of events that annihilated entire families in seconds. His body was found on the road divider beside the charred remains of the bus, while the pillion rider survived.
VC Sajjanar’s Strong Message
In a powerful statement posted on social platform X, VC Sajjanar said: “Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads.” He emphasized that such acts destroy lives, families, and futures and must be recognized as criminal offenses, not mere mistakes.
Sajjanar declared that Hyderabad is adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drunk driving. Every individual caught driving under the influence will face the full force of the law without leniency or mercy. This firm stance aims to change societal attitudes toward drunk driving, halting the dangerous normalization of such reckless acts.
Wider Consequences and Societal Impact
This tragedy underscores the grave risks drunk driving poses to public safety. Beyond the loss of 20 lives, it has profound emotional, social, and economic consequences for the families affected and the community at large. The incident calls for:
Stricter law enforcement to deter drunk driving.
Public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Enhanced support systems for victims' families.
Societal recognition of drunk driving as a serious criminal act rather than a mere error.
Conclusion
The Kurnool bus fire tragedy is a stark reminder of how intoxicated driving can turn fatal in moments of poor judgment and arrogance. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar’s unequivocal statement labeling drunk drivers as terrorists highlights the urgent need for societal change, stringent legal action, and zero tolerance for such negligence. Every life lost to drunk driving is a tragedy avoidable through responsible behavior and stringent law enforcement.