Telangana

Telugu TV anchor caught driving drunk, old ‘don’t-drink-and-drive’ video goes viral

In the video shot earlier this year, he is seen requesting people not to drive under the influence of alcohol because ‘life is precious’.

Written by : TNM Staff

A day after popular Television anchor Pradeep Machiraju was booked by the Hyderabad police for driving his car under the influence of alcohol on New Year's Eve, an old video has returned to embarrass him.

The short video-clip being circulated on social networking sites, was reportedly recorded earlier this year, and requested adults not to let minors drive, while also requesting those above the legal age, not to drink and drive.  

"To all the adults, I request everyone to not drink and drive because it leads to accidents which may end your life and someone else's as well. Your life is very precious. So please don't drink and drive, wear seat belt, wear helmet and follow the traffic rules. All these are meant for our safety and lets all follow them," Pradeep is seen saying in the video.

Many social media users who are sharing the video, are pointing out the irony, that Pradeep himself got caught driving drunk.

Watch the video below.

Pradeep was caught by the police when they undertook a special drive to prevent drunken driving on New Year’s Eve. 

His blood test showed he had 178 mg/ml, compared to the permissible limit of 30 mg/ml.

"Since this is the first time Pradeep has been booked for drunk driving he will be let off after undergoing a counselling session and paying a fine. He might be needed to appear before the court if summoned," a police officer told ToI.

Pradeep began his career as a Radio Jockey for Radio Mirchi before gaining fame with Konchem Touchlo Unte Chepta, a popular celebrity talk show on Zee Telugu. 

As part of the drive, the Hyderabad Police booked a record 2,499 people for drunken driving on New Year’s Eve.

Out of the total 2,499 cases booked, 1,683 cases were registered by the Hyderabad Traffic Police, followed by 582 cases in Cyberabad. With 234 cases, Rachakonda saw the least number of violations.

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