Hyderabad Traffic Cop’s Slap During Breath‑alyser Test Sparks Outrage

When the video first surfaced on social media, it was hard to look away. The grainy footage captures a Hyderabad traffic cop, uniform crisp, standing beside a breath‑alyser machine. A visibly intoxicated man leans over the device, his eyes unfocused. Instead of waiting for the reading, the officer reaches out and delivers a sharp slap across the man's cheek.

Onlookers in the video gasp, some shout for the officer to stop, while others seem to cheer. Within minutes, the clip was shared across platforms—Twitter, Instagram, Facebook—racking up millions of views and spawning a cascade of comments. Many users expressed disbelief, asking, “Is this really how a police officer should act?” while a handful defended the cop, arguing that a firm response might deter reckless driving.

The Hyderabad police department quickly issued a statement saying the officer’s actions would be investigated under the State Police Act. "We do not condone any form of assault by our personnel," the statement read. "A thorough inquiry will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the allegations are proven true." Meanwhile, the man who was slapped, identified as a private‑bus driver, said he felt humiliated but also admitted to having consumed alcohol.

Legal experts weighed in, pointing out that while police have the authority to conduct breath‑alyser tests, physical violence is not permissible. "Any excessive force can be classified as assault, and the officer could face charges under Sections 352 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code," said a senior advocate. Civil rights groups have already called for stricter guidelines on how traffic checks are carried out, emphasizing the need for non‑violent, transparent procedures.

Public reaction remains divided. Some users are demanding the officer’s immediate suspension, while others argue that the focus should be on the larger issue of drunk driving, which claims dozens of lives each year in the city. As the investigation proceeds, the incident serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement officers are also accountable for their conduct, especially when cameras are watching.