Madhapur accident: Police say Sanjush may be arrested if further evidence warrants

Madhapur police clarified that L Sanjush, accused in the fatal accident that killed Bharati Mukhi, was not arrested initially as circumstances did not warrant it. Police said a notice was issued under Section 35 BNSS and further action will follow.

Hyderabad: The Madhapur police have clarified that L Sanjush (21), who was allegedly involved in the fatal road accident that claimed the life of a young woman, was not arrested because the circumstances did not warrant his arrest at that stage of the investigation.

The accident occurred on August 16 in front of Inorbit Mall in Madhapur. The victim, Bharati Mukhi (26), was working as a sales girl at Lifestyle Store.

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According to police, Bharati and her colleague Pooja Ashok had gone near ITC Kohenur to collect meals and were returning towards Inorbit Mall when a car bearing registration TG-09-G-0666 allegedly hit Bharati while she was crossing the road.

Bharati suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, where doctors declared her dead.

Madhapur police registered a case and identified Sanjush as the person behind the wheel, and he was detained. Preliminary alcohol and drug tests were conducted and returned negative. His blood samples were subsequently collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for scientific examination. The vehicle was seized and sent for Motor Vehicle Inspector inspection, with the report still awaited.

Addressing questions over the driver’s non-arrest, DCP Kukatpally Ritiraj said since the alleged offence was punishable with less than seven years’ imprisonment, police were required to assess the necessity of arrest in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines.

“After assessing the material available at that stage, we found no circumstances warranting arrest and instead issued the suspect a notice under Section 35 BNSS, directing him to appear and cooperate with the investigation,” she said.

The DCP rejected allegations that police deliberately avoided arresting the accused to favour him, stating that the decision was based solely on the statutory requirements, circumstances of the case and evidence available at the time.

Police said the investigation is continuing and that the MVI report, autopsy report and other evidence will be examined.

Further action, including arrest if warranted by subsequently collected evidence, will be taken as per law.