Hyderabad: The Telangana Police has suspended a Sub-Inspector of Police after a video showing his six-year-old granddaughter driving a car on a public road went viral on social media.
Taking serious note of the incident, Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand ordered the suspension of the officer and directed the department to initiate a detailed departmental inquiry into his conduct.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the safety risks involved in allowing a minor to drive a vehicle on a busy road.
Viral Video Shows Minor Driving Car in Traffic
The viral video shows the six-year-old girl sitting in the driver’s seat while her grandfather, Sub-Inspector Pujari Thirupathi, was seated in the front passenger seat.
The car was reportedly moving slowly amid traffic congestion when another motorist noticed that the child was driving and stopped the vehicle to question the officer.
During the interaction, the officer claimed that the vehicle was automatic and that he was controlling the steering.
The video gained further attention after the child was heard saying, “Maa thaatha SI”, referring to her grandfather’s police position.
The officer also reportedly claimed that he was preparing his granddaughter for a possible Guinness World Record attempt as the world’s youngest driver.
Police Register Case Against Sub-Inspector
Following the incident, a case has been registered against Pujari Thirupathi.
The case was filed under:
- Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act
- Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act
The charges relate to permitting a minor to drive a vehicle and violations of road safety laws.
Police said that further investigation into the matter is underway.
DGP Orders Suspension and Departmental Inquiry
After the video surfaced online, DGP CV Anand directed senior officials to take immediate action against the Sub-Inspector.
The officer has been placed under suspension, and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated to examine his conduct.
The police department stressed that allowing minors to drive vehicles on public roads poses serious risks to road safety and cannot be permitted.
Vehicle Had Six Pending Traffic Challans
Traffic police records revealed that the vehicle involved in the incident already had six pending traffic challans amounting to ₹4,010.
The violations recorded against the vehicle include:
- Three overspeeding cases
- One stop-line violation
- One lane-crossing offence
- One prohibited parking or stopping violation
The challans were issued between May 2020 and October 2024 in Hyderabad and Mahbubnagar districts.
Incident Raises Road Safety Concerns
The case has once again highlighted concerns over underage driving and the importance of strict enforcement of traffic rules.
Authorities have reiterated that minors should not be allowed to operate vehicles under any circumstances, as such actions can endanger their lives as well as the safety of other road users.
