Hyderabad officer suspended after six-year-old drives car

A police officer in Hyderabad has been suspended and faces criminal charges after a video showing his six-year-old granddaughter driving his car on a busy public road went viral, triggering public outrage and official action. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, on the Gandhamguda-Bairagiguda road in the Narsingi area.

The officer, identified as Sub-Inspector Pujari Thirupathi of the Hyderabad City Police, was seen occupying the front passenger seat while the child sat behind the wheel. The car, bearing registration number TS 07 GP 7450, was moving slowly, causing a traffic buildup. Alerted motorists stopped the vehicle and confronted the officer. When questioned, the child reportedly stated that her grandfather was a sub-inspector. Thirupathi defended his actions by claiming the vehicle was automatic and that he remained in full control. He also told investigators he was preparing his granddaughter for an attempt to set a Guinness World Record as the world's youngest driver.

Following the video's circulation, Hyderabad Director General of Police CV Anand ordered Thirupathi's immediate suspension and initiated a departmental inquiry. The Narsingi...