Hyderabad Police have directed traffic officials to trace an autorickshaw driver allegedly watching a film on one mobile phone, using another for navigation and wearing headphones while driving in the city. The police action follows a video shared on social media and a public appeal to passengers to call emergency helpline 112 if drivers ignore warnings about dangerous phone or headphone use.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar shared the video on X on October 14 and instructed the Hyderabad Traffic Police to identify the driver of autorickshaw TG15U2657 and initiate stringent legal action in accordance with the law. The video showed two mobile phones positioned in front of the driver. One displayed navigation directions, while the other appeared to be playing a movie. The driver was also seen wearing large illuminated headphones.
According to the police communication, the video was brought to the Commissioner’s notice by a social media user. The footage prompted the direction to trace the vehicle and take action against the driver. The report did not state whether the driver had been identified or detained at the time of publication.
Mr. Sajjanar warned that using mobile phones, headphones or earbuds while driving could seriously threaten road safety. The warning covered two-wheelers, cars, autorickshaws, buses and lorries, extending the advisory beyond the specific incident involving the Hyderabad autorickshaw.
The Commissioner also asked passengers to remain alert during journeys and speak up if they notice a driver using a mobile phone or wearing headphones while operating a vehicle. If the driver does not respond to a request to stop the behaviour, passengers have been advised to call 112 and inform the police.
The incident highlights the particular safety responsibility carried by public-transport and shared-mobility drivers, whose actions can affect passengers as well as other road users. In this case, the reported use of two screens and headphones created multiple forms of distraction inside a moving autorickshaw, according to the video and the police response.
The Hyderabad Traffic Police have been instructed to trace the vehicle bearing registration number TG15U2657 and proceed under applicable law. The Commissioner’s office has not announced the outcome of that action in the information available.
