On August 25, a loco pilot who had just come off duty after operating the Agra-Kanpur Vande Bharat Express underwent a standard, officially mandated breathalyzer test. Much to the surprise of the loco pilot, the breathalyzer allegedly flagged alarmingly high levels of alcohol, at around 100 ml, in his bloodstream. This level of alcohol in one’s bloodstream is often deemed to be life-threatening, as per experts. He was subsequently asked to undergo a blood test, which told an entirely different story. Here’s what happened.
According to the information shared in a Times of India (TOI) article, the loco pilot, Shyam Singh, was tested around 9:21 AM. He alleges that the breathalyzer, in his presence, yielded a negative result, after which he proceeded to the running room to rest.
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However, the Loco Inspector (LI) who conducted the test allegedly came to him after 45 mins and told him that the breathalyzer was positive and that he would have to undergo an officially mandated blood test.
He was immediately taken off duty and sent back home to Agra. The blood test came back negative, vindicating Singh’s pleas, and he was called back on duty from the very next day onwards.
Also Read: Delhi Excise Department Orders Quarterly Liquor Sample Testing
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However, Singh has written to senior officials and requested the CCTV footage of his breathalyzer test. He claims that he was framed and has alleged mala fide intent. He also claimed that this was a case of vendetta against Singh.
One official cited in the TOI article also stated that breathalyzers usually generate instantaneous results and the LI coming to Singh after 45 minutes of the initial test does indeed raise serious questions. The senior officials are looking into the matter and have issued assurances that they are taking it very seriously.
Also Read: How Are Pilots In India Tested For Alcohol & Drugs? Tests, Process & Details Inside
This incident is significant as it underscores how important a correctly functioning breathalyzer can be. It also raises questions about how reliable breathalyzers as instruments can be. It is hoped that a regular check on such instruments is routinely done so that similar incidents do not happen.
