Pune Constable Suspended Over Drunk Driving Incident

A woman police constable in Pune has been placed under immediate suspension and faces criminal charges after a video surfaced on social media showing her driving under the influence of alcohol while wearing her police uniform.

The incident, which has triggered widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny regarding police accountability, occurred between October 26 and 27 within the Manjari area of Pune.

Official Investigation and Charges

The accused officer has been officially identified as Ashwini Phulchand Kekan. According to the departmental suspension order issued following the incident, Kekan lost control of her vehicle while navigating local roads under the influence of alcohol. A subsequent mandatory medical examination officially confirmed alcohol consumption.

Authorities have registered a formal criminal case against Kekan at the Manjari police station. The charges encompass driving under the influence, endangering public safety, and bringing disrepute to the uniform by tarnishing the image of the law enforcement agency.

Strict Conditions Imposed During Suspension

Under the terms of her ongoing administrative suspension, Kekan faces strict restrictions. She is legally prohibited from engaging in any private employment or commercial business ventures and is barred from leaving police headquarters without securing prior formal permission from superior authorities.

The swift departmental action follows mounting pressure from civic activists and citizens on social media. Prominent local figures and transparency advocates amplified the footage online, questioning road safety standards and demanding immediate institutional accountability when individuals tasked with upholding the law are found violating it.

Reporting by Gaurav Sen for Daily News 365.