Bhubaneswar, July 27: Police have advised people to carry identity proof and valid documents of their vehicles while travelling in the city in the late hours.

The advisory came after the cops intensified their drive against drink driving.

Over the past five days, the police have penalised more than 200 people on various charges. During the drive, the police seized a country-made pistol and also netted a gang of motorcycle thieves.

The police said all police stations in the city had been asked to conduct regular vehicle checking in the evening along with surprise checks in the late hours. The maximum penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol is Rs 500.

Surprise checking has not only helped the cops to nab drunk drivers, but also helped in arresting criminals. On July 21, Infocity police busted a motorcycle theft gang during the drive. The police found two stolen motorcycles and detained both motorcyclists. After interrogating both of them, the police managed to recover four other stolen motorcycles and arrested the third accused.

On Monday, the cops detained one Bidyapati Sahu after they found a country-made pistol in his possession. Sahu was arrested and the police uncovered his involvement in a number of snatching cases.

"We urge residents to co-operate with us and keep handy their identity proof and documents of the vehicle, along with their driving licence, during night hours," said deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.

The police said they were focussing on several important traffic intersections such as Master Canteen Square, AG Square, Housing Board Square, Rupali Sqaure and Cuttack Road for the surprise checking.

"We have received several complaints of rash driving and drunk driving on Janpath and the stretch connecting Acharya Vihar in the late hours. Most of the youths claimed that they were visiting the hospital during checking. Police personnel have also been asked not to detain patients and attendants visiting any hospital during the check," said a police official.

"There are several eateries and roadside dhabas selling illegal liquor at night, attracting youths. The cops should stop sale of liquor late at night along with surprise checking," said Mahendra Jena, a resident of Laxmi Sagar.