Hyderabad Police Commissioner orders action against auto driver watching movie while driving

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has issued a stern warning to motorists after a video surfaced showing an auto‑rickshaw driver in the city’s bustling streets watching a full‑length film on his phone while navigating traffic. The clip, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparked outrage among commuters who accused the driver of endangering public safety for personal entertainment..

In response, the commissioner announced a series of decisive actions, including increased patrols, stricter penalties and a public appeal for citizens to report similar offences by dialing the emergency number 112. In a press conference held at the police headquarters on Tuesday, Commissioner Sajjanar emphasized that the incident was not an isolated case but part of a growing trend of distracted driving across India. “We have observed a worrying rise in the use of mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices by drivers, especially in congested urban areas like Hyderabad,” he said..

He added that such behaviour not only violates traffic regulations but also poses a serious threat to pedestrians, passengers and other road users, potentially leading to fatal accidents. The commissioner outlined a three‑pronged strategy to combat the menace. First, traffic police units will be equipped with advanced surveillance cameras capable of capturing real‑time footage of drivers using handheld devices..

Second, a special task force will conduct surprise inspections at high‑traffic junctions, focusing on auto‑rickshaws, two‑wheelers and private cars. Finally, the police will impose immediate fines of up to ₹5,000 and suspend licenses for repeat offenders, with the possibility of criminal charges under the Motor Vehicles Act. To reinforce the new enforcement measures, the Hyderabad Police Department has launched an awareness campaign titled “Eyes on the Road, Not on the Screen.” The campaign will feature billboards, radio spots and social media messages urging drivers to keep their phones out of reach while driving..

Posters placed at traffic signals will display vivid graphics illustrating the potential consequences of distracted driving, while police officers will distribute leaflets in local languages during routine checks. Commissioner Sajjanar also called upon the public to play an active role in curbing the problem. He urged commuters to speak up if they notice a driver using a phone, asking them to request the driver to stop and, if the request is ignored, to report the incident to the authorities..

Do not remain silent when you see a driver endangering lives,” he said, stressing that anyone can dial 112 to file a complaint, providing details such as vehicle registration number, location and time of the offence. Legal experts have welcomed the commissioner’s decisive stance, noting that the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2022 already mandates a ban on handheld device use while driving, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. However, they point out that enforcement has been inconsistent due to limited resources and public apathy..

“The new measures, if implemented rigorously, could close the enforcement gap and send a clear deterrent signal,” said Advocate Ramesh Kumar, a specialist in traffic law. The incident has also reignited debate over the role of technology in road safety. While some argue that hands‑free devices mitigate risk, recent studies suggest that cognitive distraction remains significant even when drivers do not physically handle their phones..

A report by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad found that drivers who listen to video content on smartphones exhibit slower reaction times and reduced situational awareness, comparable to those using handheld devices. Auto‑rickshaw unions, which represent a large segment of Hyderabad’s informal transport sector, have expressed concerns about the potential impact of stricter regulations on their livelihoods. Union leader Abdul Rahman cautioned that many drivers rely on phones for navigation and receiving ride requests, and that punitive measures could exacerbate economic hardship..

In response, the commissioner assured that the police will work with unions to provide alternative solutions, such as affordable mountings and voice‑activated navigation tools, to help drivers stay compliant without sacrificing efficiency. Public reaction to the commissioner’s announcement has been largely supportive, with many citizens praising the proactive approach. Social media users have shared personal stories of near‑misses caused by distracted drivers, reinforcing the urgency of the issue..

A resident of Banjara Hills posted a video of a driver swerving to avoid a pedestrian while looking at a phone screen, calling it “a nightmare that could have ended in tragedy.” Such testimonies underscore the everyday risks that distracted driving poses in densely populated urban environments. The Hyderabad Police Department plans to release monthly statistics on the number of violations detected, fines imposed and licenses suspended under the new initiative. This data-driven approach aims to provide transparency and allow policymakers to assess the effectiveness of the measures over time..

Commissioner Sajjanar emphasized that the ultimate goal is not merely punitive but educational, seeking to cultivate a culture of responsible driving across all vehicle categories. As the city prepares to roll out the enhanced enforcement framework, officials are also coordinating with technology firms to develop apps that can automatically detect phone usage while a vehicle is in motion and alert drivers to cease the activity. Such collaborations are part of a broader vision to integrate smart solutions into traffic management, aligning Hyderabad with other global metros that have successfully reduced distracted‑driving incidents through innovative interventions..

In the weeks ahead, commuters are being urged to remain vigilant and to report any infractions they witness, reinforcing the message that road safety is a collective responsibility. With the commissioner’s firm stance and the community’s cooperation, Hyderabad hopes to set a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with the same challenge, demonstrating that decisive action and public engagement can together curb the growing threat of drivers watching movies behind the wheel..