Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has issued a stern warning against drunk driving, calling it an act of “terror,” in the wake of a tragic road accident near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, that claimed the lives of 20 people. The disaster occurred early Friday when a private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru collided with a motorbike lying on National Highway 44 (NH-44). The biker, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, had lost control of his vehicle and died at the scene, leaving the bike obstructing the highway. The collision sparked a fire that engulfed the bus, killing at least 19 passengers and bringing widespread outrage across the region.

Commissioner Sajjanar condemned the incident in unequivocal terms, describing drunk drivers as “terrorists” whose reckless actions endanger lives on the roads. In a post on X, he wrote, “Drunk drivers are terrorists. Period. Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads.” He stressed that the Kurnool accident was not a random misfortune but a “preventable massacre” caused by irresponsible and intoxicated behavior. Calling the incident a “criminal act of negligence that annihilated entire families,” Sajjanar reiterated that Hyderabad police would exercise zero tolerance toward anyone caught driving under the influence.

“Every single person caught driving under the influence will face the full force of law. There will be no leniency, no exceptions, and no mercy for those who endanger innocent lives. It’s time we, as a society, stop calling drunk driving a mistake. It is a crime that shatters lives and must be punished accordingly,” the commissioner added.

According to investigations, the Bengaluru-bound Vemuri Kaveri Travels bus struck the motorbike after its rider, Panchala Shiva Shankar, 20, from Lakshmipuram village, and his friend Erriswamy, had refueled at a nearby petrol station. CCTV footage from the station reportedly showed the two men exhibiting behavior consistent with intoxication. Shortly after leaving, Shiva Shankar lost control of the bike, collided with a road divider, and was killed on the spot. The bus, unable to avoid the stranded bike, rammed into it around 2:39 am, igniting the fuel and setting the vehicle ablaze within minutes.

The Kurnool accident has drawn attention to the broader issue of road safety and the dangers posed by alcohol-impaired driving in India. Hyderabad police have emphasized that drunk driving cannot be dismissed as a minor lapse in judgment but must be treated as a serious offense with severe consequences. The commissioner’s remarks have also underscored a growing commitment by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on such behavior and implement stricter measures for road safety.

In addition to legal action, Sajjanar’s statement seeks to shift public perception of drunk driving, framing it as a deliberate act of endangerment rather than an accidental error. By labeling drunk drivers as “terrorists,” the police chief highlighted the societal responsibility of every individual to exercise caution on the roads, stressing that negligence behind the wheel can have catastrophic consequences not only for the driver but for countless innocent bystanders.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the Kurnool tragedy, focusing on reconstructing the events leading up to the accident and determining accountability. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debates around stricter enforcement of traffic laws, mandatory alcohol checks, and public awareness campaigns to prevent future occurrences.

The collision serves as a grim reminder of how a single act of recklessness can result in mass casualties. In this case, the combination of alcohol consumption, high-speed travel, and an unprotected motorbike led to one of the deadliest road incidents in recent memory in Andhra Pradesh. Emergency responders and local authorities have been coordinating relief efforts and providing support to the families of the deceased, highlighting the devastating social and emotional impact of such accidents.

As India grapples with rising road fatalities, incidents like the Kurnool bus fire underscore the need for stricter monitoring, rigorous law enforcement, and societal accountability. Commissioner Sajjanar’s uncompromising stance sends a clear message that the law will treat drunk driving with the seriousness it demands, with an emphasis on deterrence and protection of public safety.

The Hyderabad police have vowed to intensify surveillance on roads, conduct regular sobriety checks, and ensure that perpetrators face stringent penalties. The Kurnool tragedy has also prompted calls for nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the deadly consequences of alcohol-impaired driving and the moral responsibility of every road user.

In summary, the Kurnool bus accident is being treated as a preventable tragedy caused by reckless behavior, and Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar’s labeling of drunk drivers as “terrorists” reflects a broader effort to enforce accountability, promote road safety, and deter future incidents. Authorities are committed to stringent action against offenders, highlighting that endangering lives on the road is a crime with severe repercussions.