Telugu actor held for drunken driving

Hyderabad, Jan 22 (IANS) Actor Rami Reddy, who has played villain in several Telugu and Hindi films, had to spend a night in the police lock up here on charges of drunken driving.

The police caught Reddy while he was driving in the busy Medhipatnam area late Saturday. He was returning home with friends after attending a party.

Police officials, who were on a campaign to check drunken driving, asked Reddy to step out because he smelt of liquor when he rolled down the car window. Reddy admitted to have consumed excess liquor at the party.

The alcohol-sensor test, conducted on the spot, proved that he was drunk. Reddy was sent to a hospital for more tests. A case of rash and drunken driving has been registered against the actor. Reddy was released on bail Sunday.

According to the police, the on-screen villain was among 481 drivers held on charges of drunken driving.

Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) A. K. Khan said drunken drivers would now be booked under section 279 of the Indian Penal Code that stands for "rash and negligent driving likely to cause harm or injury to others".