Drunk water tanker driver held in Mohammadwadi days after two lives lost in accidents

Pune: The Kalepadal police on Sunday registered a case against a water tanker driver for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in the Mohammadwadi area, less than a week after two individuals were killed in separate tanker-related accidents within 48 hours of one another in the same locality.Residents have been flagging concerns regarding reckless steering of water tankers, alleging that several of these drivers operate the vehicles without valid licences and, in some cases, under the influence of alcohol. The development also comes at a time when dependency on water tankers has increased massively for most societies across city areas, amid rampant construction and lack of consistent water supply from the civic administration.On Sunday, corporator Kashif Sayyad intercepted a water tanker entering a housing society after finding its movement suspicious. "The tanker had no helper and the vehicle was in a poor condition. When I asked the driver to stop, he said the handbrakes were not functional. When he got down, it became evident that he was drunk," Sayyad told TOI.He added that the housing society had a breath analyser, which confirmed that the driver was inebriated. Following this, the police were called. Sources confirmed to TOI that the tanker operator was linked to a city politician.The police have booked the driver under sections 281 (rash or negligent driving on a public way that endangers human life or poses a risk of injury), 184(dangerous driving) and 185 (driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs) of the Motor Vehicles Act in a suo motu case registered after medical reports confirmed that the driver was drunk."We registered the case in the matter soon after it was confirmed that the driver was drunk and a further investigation is underway," said senior inspector Mansingh Patil of the Kalepadal police station.Days ago on April 5, 19-year-old Aariz Shaikh died in an accident in the area after he was hit by a water tanker driven by a drunk driver. On April 7, 22-year-old Grecia Daniel Isa died after her vehicle was hit by a water tanker in Wanowrie.The back-to-back incidents sparked widespread condemnation and protests, with residents demanding action against tankers violating the norms. "On Saturday, we held a candle march to protest against tanker operations in the area and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. However, on Sunday, we found yet another tanker driver under the influence on the job. This shows that tanker operators have little fear of authorities and continue to endanger the lives of citizens," Kashif said.Residents emphasized that they are forced to depend on water tankers as Pune Municipal Corporation does not provide water. "Most of these drivers indulge in rash riving and we are in fear of them while commuting on local roads," said Asif Shaikh, a resident of the Elina Living Housing Society in Mohammadwadi. He said their society with 360 flats requires at least 30-31 water tankers daily, and only one is sent by PMC for drinking purposes, while they have to purchase the rest from private suppliers.Sadik Khan, a resident of Ganga Florentina Society, said, "Most housing societies in the area rely on water tankers, resulting in higher tanker movement compared to other vehicles. While these tankers cannot be stopped, authorities must ensure they comply with all norms to prevent accidents." He added that the traffic department should deploy personnel in the area, as there is currently no presence on the ground.Meanwhile, the city traffic police have intensified action against errant tanker operators in the wake of recent accidents. Officials said around 700 tankers were inspected between April 9 and 11, of which 26 were seized for violations, while action was taken against nearly 149 tankers, a senior police officer told TOI, preferring anonymity.Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, said, "We will soon start using breath analysers at all tanker filling points to ensure that drivers are not under the influence while on duty. The traffic police department has assured us that it will provide the devices for this purpose."