Drug, alcohol tests of accused in Hyderabad Aston Martin crash return negative

Drug and alcohol tests of the accused in the August 16 Aston Martin crash in Hyderabad that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old saleswoman have returned negative, according to the Telangana Police. The preliminary findings, released on Friday, indicate that the accused, Lingameneni Sanjush, did not test positive for substances that would suggest impairment at the time of the incident. The incident occurred when the car, allegedly driven at high speed, struck Bharati Mukhi near Inorbit Mall in Madhapur. She died at the scene due to severe head injuries. The police confirmed that the vehicle was seized immediately after the accident, and a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) completed an inspection on Friday. A detailed report from this inspection is expected in the next three to four days. According to DCP Ritiraj of the Balanagar Zone in the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, the blood and urine samples of the accused were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Preliminary results showed no presence of drugs or alcohol. These findings have influenced the legal approach taken by the police, who can only proceed under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows for a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. The police explained that because the potential offense does not carry a punishment exceeding seven years, they must evaluate whether an arrest is necessary under Section 35 of the BNSS. This evaluation follows the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in the Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar ruling. Based on these considerations, the police decided against arresting the accused and instead issued a notice to him. The investigation into the incident continues as per legal procedures. If the FSL report reveals any new information that might require changes to the current charges or the direction of the investigation, the authorities will take appropriate action. Until then, the case remains under review. Bharati Mukhi was employed as a saleswoman at a store inside Inorbit Mall. On the day of the incident, she and her colleague had left to collect meals at ITC Kohenur around 3 p.m. While returning and crossing the road in front of the mall, the collision occurred. The impact caused immediate and severe injuries, leading to her death upon arrival at Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills. Lingameneni Sanjush, the accused, is the son of Lingameneni Ramesh, a businessman and member of the Janasena Party's Rajya Sabha. He was apprehended on the same day as the incident and is currently under investigation. His involvement has drawn attention given his father’s political standing. The police emphasized that all actions are being taken in accordance with the law. They noted that the initial tests did not show any evidence of intoxication or drug use, which limits the scope of possible charges. However, the final determination will depend on the comprehensive analysis of the forensic reports and other evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in urban areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all legal protocols are followed in the pursuit of justice for the victim and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. The FSL report is anticipated soon, and its findings will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps of the legal process. Until then, the case remains active, with the focus on gathering more data to ensure a thorough understanding of the incident.