Kannada actor Mayur Patel booked for drunk driving after SUV rams 4 cars at signal in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Kannada actor, music director and singer Mayur Patel was booked by traffic police Wednesday night for allegedly driving in an inebriated condition and ramming his sports utility vehicle into four cars at a traffic signal in Domlur.The accident occurred around 10pm near the Commando Hospital signal, according to the complainant, taxi driver Srinivas. He said a Toyota Fortuner hit his cab from behind, triggering a chain collision that damaged four vehicles. No one was injured in the accident. Traffic police subjected Mayur to a breathalyser test at the accident spot to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). The permissible limit under Motor Vehicles Act is 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.03% BAC). The actor tested above the limit. An investigating officer said Mayur was driving the SUV at the time of the accident. "He is not disputing that, and has promised to bear the expenses incurred in repairing the cars. However, we booked him for driving under the influence of alcohol and causing the accident through rash and negligent driving," he said. Mayur will have to appear before the jurisdictional court, pay the fine amount and then get his vehicle released. Police said the insurance of his Toyota Fortuner had expired. Srinivas said he had bought the taxi just a week back with a bank loan and other borrowings. "When I faced shortage of money, I pledged my wife's jewellery," he told police.His vehicle, which is damaged at both the rear and front, has been kept at the police station for an inspection by RTO officials. "This means I have to wait for another 3-4 days without earning anything. On Feb 5, I have to pay the monthly instalment for my bank loan," a teary-eyed Srinivas said.