Hyderabad: An auto-rickshaw driver was arrested by Chandrayangutta police after a video showing him carrying 14 passengers in a single vehicle went viral on social media. The incident took place on the Barkas–Sadat Nagar road, where the driver was seen transporting a total of 15 people, including himself. The footage drew widespread attention as several passengers were seen hanging dangerously from the sides of the moving auto-rickshaw due to overcrowding, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and traffic violations.

According to police officials, the incident occurred on Thursday night and the driver, identified as Khan, was traced and arrested on the same day. Authorities stated that he was booked under Section 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering human life through rash and negligent conduct. Witnesses alleged that the driver was not only carrying an excessive number of passengers but was also driving recklessly, making sharp turns at speed while navigating busy roads. The viral video sparked criticism from citizens, many of whom demanded strict action against such dangerous practices that put multiple lives at risk.

Following his arrest, Khan publicly apologised for his actions and admitted that he had made a serious mistake by allowing 14 passengers to board the auto-rickshaw. In a statement, he urged fellow auto drivers to avoid similar violations and advised them not to carry more than four passengers at a time. Police officials reiterated that overloading passenger vehicles is a serious offence and warned that strict action would be taken against drivers found compromising public safety. The incident has once again highlighted the need for greater awareness and enforcement of road safety regulations across Hyderabad.