Andhra Bus Tragedy: Hyderabad Top Cop Calls Drunk Drivers ‘Terrorists’, Vows ‘No Mercy’

Last Updated:October 26, 2025, 15:03 IST

VC Sajjanar described the incident as a “criminal act of negligence that annihilated entire families within seconds.

20 Killed as Bus Catches Fire in Andhra Pradesh

Following the Kurnool bus fire in Andhra Pradesh that claimed 20 lives, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar declared that drunk drivers are “terrorists" and will face the full force of the law.

Posting on X, Sajjanar said, “Drunk drivers are terrorists. Their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads. The horrific Kurnool bus accident was not an accident in the truest sense. It was a preventable massacre caused by the reckless behaviour of an intoxicated biker."

What do we know about the Kurnool tragedy?

The top police officer described the incident as a “criminal act of negligence that annihilated entire families within seconds." CCTV footage revealed that the biker, identified as B Shiva Shankar, refuelled his motorcycle at 2:24 a.m., before losing control at 2:39 a.m. The collision resulted in the devastating bus fire.

Shankar and his pillion rider, Erri Swamy, had been returning from dinner and drinks at a dhaba. Both admitted to being intoxicated. Shankar lost control of his bike, collided with a divider, and died on the spot. The bus then ran over the two-wheeler, dragging it along the road. The fuel tank sparked a fire that claimed the lives of 19 passengers.

Drunk drivers are terrorists. Period.Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads. The horrific #Kurnool bus accident, which claimed the lives of 20 innocent people, was not an accident in the truest sense. It was a preventable… pic.twitter.com/oXTp0uOt2k— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) October 26, 2025

Zero-tolerance for drunk drivers

Sajjanar stressed Hyderabad police’s zero-tolerance stance on driving under the influence. “Every single person caught driving drunk will face the full force of law. There will be no leniency, no exceptions, and no mercy for those who endanger innocent lives," he said.

He added, “It is time society stops calling drunk driving a mistake. It is a crime that shatters lives and must be punished accordingly. Drunk drivers destroy lives, families, and futures. Such acts will never be tolerated."

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News india Andhra Bus Tragedy: Hyderabad Top Cop Calls Drunk Drivers ‘Terrorists’, Vows ‘No Mercy’

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