40 private bus drivers booked for driving under influence of alcohol, drugs: Kochi police to Kerala high court

Kochi: An action taken report submitted by the Kochi city police commissioner before HC on the measures adopted to ensure safe traffic on city roads has revealed a shocking fact that several private bus drivers have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The report is based on enforcement activities conducted by the city police between March 21 and April 6, during which a total of 1,257 petty cases were registered, and fines amounting to Rs 1.09 lakh were imposed. It also stated that 40 cases were registered for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — 27 of these at the Traffic West Police Station and 10 at the Ernakulam Central Police Station.
Notably, the report highlighted that P J Anoop of Palluruthy, who is accused in a recent accident at the Menaka bus stop that resulted in the death of a woman, has 10 criminal cases registered against him, including two under the NDPS Act. Similarly, nine criminal cases have been registered against another private bus driver, Benny Immanuel of Ernakulam. In response, the police have decided that all private bus drivers must carry non-involvement in offence certificates (NIOCs), and that any driver found to be using intoxicants or drugs will be disqualified from employment.
Perusing the report, Justice Devan Ramachandran remarked that the situation renders the city's roads extremely unsafe. HC was considering a batch of petitions on the deteriorating condition of roads and footpaths in Kochi. The court further observed that the police appear to have responded effectively to the concerns and noted that the report details numerous cases already registered against violators.
It stressed that all authorities vested with jurisdiction are expected to exercise their powers to ensure that traffic on city roads and elsewhere remains orderly, free from chaos and fully compliant with legal standards. Any violations should be dealt with strictly and sternly.
MG Road footpath
The senior govt pleader submitted that the work on improving the footpath along MG Road is expected to be completed by June 30. Similarly, Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) submitted that the streetlighting between Edappally and Palarivattom has been fully restored. The issues with underground cables have been rectified. Cochin corporation informed that all complaints regarding non-functional streetlights should be routed through the office of the corporation secretary. Counsel for the corporation added that such complaints can also be submitted via the ‘My Kochi App'.