Hyderabad crash: Police defend no-arrest call; Rs 6 crore Aston Martin seized

Hyderabad police have confirmed they have seized the luxury Aston Martin involved in a fatal August 16 road accident in Madhapur and are awaiting the results of a motor vehicle inspector’s report. The incident, which claimed the life of a mall employee, has sparked public debate over the authorities' decision not to arrest the driver, Lingamaneni Sanjush, son of Janasena Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh. The car, valued at approximately Rs 6 crore, is registered in the name of Honer Prime Housing LLP. The case, registered as crime number 1238/2026 at Madhapur police station, has been booked under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Police stated that initial alcohol and drug tests conducted on the accused yielded negative results. Blood samples were later collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for more thorough analysis. Despite these measures, the decision to refrain from making an arrest has drawn scrutiny. In response to public and media inquiries, police officials clarified that the decision was made in accordance with legal procedures. They cited Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which outlines the conditions under which an individual can be summoned rather than arrested. This provision, along with guidance from the Supreme Court's ruling in the Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar case, was used to justify the choice not to detain the accused. Authorities emphasized that the decision was based purely on the evidence available at the time and not influenced by external factors. Kukatpally District Superintendent of Police Ritiraj reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that further action will depend on the outcome of the motor vehicle inspector’s report, forensic findings, and other relevant evidence. He dismissed claims that the lack of an arrest was due to any undue influence, calling such allegations “factually incorrect and legally unsustainable.” The accused, who was apprehended immediately following the registration of the case, is currently cooperating with the investigation. The case highlights the complexities surrounding high-value vehicles in traffic accidents and the legal considerations involved in determining whether an arrest should be made. While the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs, the severity of the incident and the value of the vehicle have raised questions about accountability. The police have maintained that all actions taken are in line with established legal protocols and that the investigation will continue until all evidence is thoroughly examined. As the investigation progresses, the outcome of the motor vehicle inspector’s report and the forensic analysis will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps. Until then, the case remains under active review, with the possibility of further legal action depending on the findings. The community continues to await clarity on how the incident will be resolved and what consequences, if any, the accused may face.