Ahmedabad: A 39-year-old man was detained by traffic police in the early hours of Monday for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol near Rambaug crossroads in Maninagar area of the city, after local residents stopped him following a minor collision.The accused, Vishal Gurjar (39), a resident of Khokhra, is the nephew of former Congress MLA and ex-Ahmedabad mayor Himmatsinh Patel, said senior police sources.According to J Division traffic police, the control room received a message around 11.45pm on March 1 stating that a man driving in an inebriated condition had been caught by members of the public near the BRTS bus stand at Rambaug. A night patrol team rushed to the spot and found a white car stationed on the road.Police said the car had allegedly brushed against another four-wheeler, causing minor scratches. No injuries were reported, and the other vehicle left the scene.On questioning, the driver appeared unsteady and was unable to maintain his balance. Officers conducted a preliminary check in the presence of panch witnesses and reported a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.When asked to produce a liquor permit, Gurjar allegedly told police that he did not possess one. The vehicle, valued at around Rs 10 lakh, was seized for further investigation.A case was registered against him under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act for drunk driving and Section 66(1)(B) of the Prohibition Act. “There was no casualty in the incident. Further legal action will follow as per procedure,” a traffic cop probing the case said.Police added that routine night patrolling has been intensified across the city to curb incidents of drunk driving.
