Hyderabad, August 22
Preliminary tests have found no traces of alcohol or drugs in Lingamaneni Sanjush, son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, following a fatal accident involving an Aston Martin in Hyderabad, police said.
The accident occurred near Inorbit Mall on August 16 when the luxury car driven by the 21-year-old allegedly hit Bharati Mukhi, a 26-year-old sales executive. She sustained critical injuries and was taken to Apollo Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Police suspect that the vehicle was travelling at high speed and was being driven rashly when the collision took place. The car, which was reportedly not registered in Sanjush’s name, has been seized and examined by a Motor Vehicle Inspector. The inspection report is awaited.
While the initial screening ruled out alcohol and drug consumption, Sanjush’s blood sample has been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a detailed analysis. Investigators are also awaiting the post-mortem findings and the vehicle inspection report before deciding on further action.
A case has been registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death through a rash or negligent act. The offence carries a maximum prison term of five years.
Police said the evidence available immediately after the accident was insufficient to warrant Sanjush’s arrest. He was served a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, directing him to appear before investigators and cooperate with the inquiry.
A senior officer dismissed allegations that political pressure had influenced the decision, maintaining that the police had followed legal procedures and Supreme Court guidelines.
Sanjush denied fleeing the scene and claimed that he had taken Bharati to hospital before cooperating with investigators.
Bharati’s body was later handed over to her brother and transported to Odisha for the funeral. She was reportedly her family’s sole earning member, prompting appeals for financial assistance to her dependants.
