Drunk auto driver arrested for causing accident that injured schoolchildren

A drunk autorickshaw driver, who caused accident resulting in injuries to schoolchildren in the vehicle, has been arrested by the Kallidaikurichi police.

According to Superintendent of Police V. Prasannakumar, autorickshaw driver Santhana Bharathi (31) of Kottaivilai Street, Kallidaikurichi, was driving his autorichskaw carrying schoolchildren on Tuesday. When the vehicle was crossing Athiyadi Vilakku, he lost control of the vehicle that capsized.

All the schoolchildren travelling in the autorickshaw were rescued safely and immediately taken to a private hospital in Kallidaikurichi for first-aid.

During inquiry and medical examination, it was found that auto driver Santhana Bharathi was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Based on a complaint preferred by father of one of the injured children, a case was registered by the Kallidaikurichi Police under sections relating to attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Investigation revealed that the accused knowingly drove the vehicle in a drunk state, fully aware that he would be unable to control it and that his act could endanger the lives and safety of the children travelling in the auto. Hence, he was arrested on Wednesday, Dr. Prassannakumar said.

Drunk driving incidents causing injury to others would not be treated merely as negligent acts, but strict legal action would be taken under serious penal provisions such as attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder, which carries punishment of up to 10 years of imprisonment and fine, he said.

The SP urged the public to act responsibly and strictly avoid drunken driving, as it poses grave danger to the lives and safety of others and is a serious offence against society.