Just days after popular anchor Pradeep Machiraju was caught for drinking and driving, the Metropolitan Sessions Court in Nampally, Hyderabad found him guilty.

Pradeep’s driving license was suspended for a period of three years. He was also fined Rs 2100.

The magistrate asked Pradeep how it was fair for him to drive in an inebriated state, especially after he took part in a campaign that requested people not to drink and drive.

Pradeep was caught by the police when they undertook a special drive to prevent drunken driving on New Year’s Eve. His car was seized.

At the time, Blood Alcohol Concentration of 178 mg/ml, compared to the permissible limit of 30 mg/ml.

All vehicle owners who were caught on New Year's Eve for the first time, were mandated to attended counselling either at the Traffic Training Institute in Begumpet or Goshamahal. However, on the first day, Pradeep did not go. He later attended a session on January 8 accompanied by his father, and sat through the entire session.

"We all know what happened on December 31. As per law, I'm following all proceedings since then. As per the instructions I have received, I will attend counselling and the proceedings that will follow," he said earlier.

Pradeep began his career as a Radio Jockey for Radio Mirchi before gaining fame with Konchem Touchlo Unte Chepta, a popular celebrity talk show on Zee Telugu. As part of a campaign that was shot earlier last year, Pradeep requested adults not to let minors drive, while also requesting those above the legal age, not to drink and drive.  

As part of the drive, the Hyderabad Police booked a record 2,499 people for drunken driving on New Year’s Eve.

Out of the total 2,499 cases booked, 1,683 cases were registered by the Hyderabad Traffic Police, followed by 582 cases in Cyberabad. With 234 cases, Rachakonda saw the least number of violations.