Operation Monsoon has 767 held for drunken drive

Kochi: As many as 767 people were caught for drunken driving in an overnight combing drive held in five districts falling under the Kochi range as part of ‘Operation Monsoon’. As many as 20 people were also arrested for possession of banned narcotic substances during the drive held from 5 pm on Saturday to 5 am on Sunday on the directive of P Vijayan, Inspector General of Police. The drive was conducted in Kochi City, Ernakulam Rural, Alapuzha, Kottayam and Idukki police districts. In Ernakulam Rural alone, a total of 382 cases were lodged for various offenses.

“While 616 cases were registered for rash and negligent driving and causing nuisance to public in an inebriated condition, action was taken against 5,602 others for violation of various Motor Vehicle rules during the drive,” a statement said. Twelve persons wanted in various criminal cases were arrested while about 391 people against whom warrants were pending were also held. An inspection was held at 110 places where weapons were earlier sold or rented. Also the police checked 531 lodges to check on anti-social activities being done.