Police in Kerala took 25 school bus drivers into custody for drunken driving in an early morning inspection on Friday, police said.

The action was carried out at 8.30 a.m. in the four central districts of Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Kochi following complaints of improper conduct, said an official.

Inspector General of Police P. Vijayan told the media that the surprise inspection was based on intelligence reports about the way certain school bus drivers misbehaved with the children after being drunk.

"This prompted us to carry out the inspection on school buses," he said.

"We are not saying that all drivers are like this. But when we got these reports, we decided to start early in the morning. So far we have been able to take into custody 25 drivers," said Vijayan.

Applauding the police action, road safety expert Upendra Narayanan said: "The need of the hour is strict action as prescribed by the law.

"The safety of our children can't be trifled. Those who are irresponsible should not be employed," he said.