Preliminary tests for alcohol and drugs have returned negative for Lingamaneni Sanjush, the 21-year-old son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP and Jana Sena Party leader Lingamaneni Ramesh, following a fatal Aston Martin crash in Hyderabad.
The accident, which took place near Inorbit Mall in the Madhapur area on August 16, claimed the life of 26-year-old sales executive Bharati Mukhi. Police have registered a case and said the investigation remains ongoing, with forensic and vehicle-inspection reports still awaited.
Preliminary Tests Return Negative
According to the police, Sanjush was subjected to preliminary alcohol and drug tests soon after the case was registered. Both tests returned negative.
However, investigators have collected his blood samples and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a more detailed scientific examination. The final forensic findings could play an important role in determining whether any additional charges or action are warranted.
The negative preliminary tests do not bring the investigation to a close. Police are also examining other evidence, including the Motor Vehicle Inspector’s report, CCTV footage, post-mortem findings and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Woman Dies After Being Hit Near Inorbit Mall
Police said Bharati Mukhi, a native of Odisha, was working as a sales executive at a mall in Hyderabad. She was allegedly hit by the Aston Martin while crossing the road near Inorbit Mall.
She suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Apollo Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival, according to reports.
The incident has attracted widespread attention because of the involvement of a luxury sports car and the driver’s connection to a prominent political family.
Case Registered for Rash and Negligent Driving
Madhapur police have registered a case against Sanjush under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with causing death by a rash or negligent act.
Police have said that the available evidence is being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have stressed that further action, including arrest, could be taken if subsequently collected evidence warrants it.
The Aston Martin involved in the crash has also been seized and inspected by a Motor Vehicle Inspector. The inspection report is awaited and is expected to form part of the investigation.
Why Was the MP’s Son Not Arrested?
The fact that Sanjush was not immediately arrested has generated public debate and questions over whether he received preferential treatment because of his father’s political position.
Police have denied allegations of special treatment, saying the decision not to arrest him was based on the nature of the offence, the evidence available at that stage and legal provisions governing arrest.
Instead, police issued a notice requiring him to cooperate with the investigation. Officials have maintained that the case is still under investigation and that any further action will depend on the evidence collected.
Sanjush Says He Did Not Flee the Scene
Sanjush has said that he did not flee after the accident and claimed that he helped take the injured woman to hospital.
Videos and reports from the aftermath of the accident indicate that the victim was rushed for medical treatment soon after the collision. Police have said they are examining all available evidence to establish the sequence of events accurately.
His father, Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, has also said that his son is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Investigation Continues
The case is far from concluded. While the preliminary alcohol and drug tests were negative, investigators are awaiting detailed forensic analysis of the blood sample, the vehicle-inspection report and other evidence.
The final findings will be crucial in determining the exact circumstances of the fatal crash and whether additional legal provisions need to be invoked.
For now, police maintain that the investigation will proceed according to the evidence and applicable law, while the death of Bharati Mukhi continues to draw attention to road safety, alleged reckless driving and accountability in high-profile accident cases.
