Drunken driving: Police bank on technical reports

The police have sought reports from the regional transport office (RTO) and the forensic department to bolster its evidence in the two accident cases.

The police had earlier sought such reports in the case of Nooriya Haveliwala when she  mowed down a police constable last year.

"Drivers use different tactics to prove themselves innocent and pin the blame on the vehicle, stating that a technical glitch had occurred, like the horn was not working or the breaks were not functioning. We have to back our case with enough evidence, hence reports of technical experts are essential," said a police officer from Gamdevi police station.

According to police inspector MG Inamdar from Marine Drive police station, they have already asked the RTO department to inspect the Porsche vehicle and submit their report. "Their expert report would be part of the technical evidence in our case. We will also seek a report from the car company to ascertain whether or not there was any technical glitch in the vehicle at the time of the incident. This is important, as in this case, one of the tyre got burst after the incident," said inspector Inamdar. The Gamdevi police, too, are taking help of RTO and car company to give their reports with regard to the car, police sources said.

"While alcohol and blood samples are taken by the local police soon after the incident, we consult with the RTO office to ascertain whether there was any technical fault in the vehicle, details of driver' license and life of vehicle by the car company. Also forensic science laboratory report are taken after the car is inspected by them. This trend has assumed high significance after Nooriya Haveliwala case," said deputy commissioner of police, Traffic, Nandkumar Chougule. "Haveliwala had to spend several days in the judicial custody before she got bail," said another police officer.