New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Preliminary tests for alcohol and narcotic substances have returned negative for 21-year-old Lingamaneni Sanjush, son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, in connection with a fatal road accident involving an Aston Martin in Hyderabad.
The accident occurred on August 16 near Inorbit Mall, where Sanjush was allegedly driving the luxury car when it collided with 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi, a sales executive. Bharati sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Apollo Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival, according to police.
Investigators have alleged that the Aston Martin was being driven at high speed and in a rash and negligent manner when the collision occurred. The vehicle has since been seized by police and examined by a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI). Authorities are currently awaiting the detailed inspection report, which could provide important technical evidence about the circumstances leading to the crash.
While preliminary screening did not detect alcohol or narcotic substances in Sanjush, police said his blood samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for a comprehensive examination. The final forensic report is expected to establish whether any intoxicating substance was present at the time of the accident.
Investigators are also awaiting the MVI report and the post-mortem examination report of Bharati. Police said the findings from these reports, along with other forensic and technical evidence, would be assessed before determining the next course of action in the case.
A case has been registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing death through a rash or negligent act. The provision carries a maximum punishment of five years’ imprisonment.
Police officials have also explained why Sanjush was not immediately arrested following the accident. According to investigators, the evidence available at that stage did not warrant custodial arrest. He was instead served a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and directed to cooperate with the investigation.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police rejected allegations that Sanjush received preferential treatment because of his political connections. The officer maintained that the police action was taken in accordance with applicable legal provisions and Supreme Court guidelines governing arrests.
Police have, however, made it clear that the possibility of arrest has not been ruled out. Sanjush could be taken into custody if subsequent evidence or the findings of the investigation establish the need for such action.
Investigators are continuing to collect evidence, including forensic material, vehicle-related data and other technical information, to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the precise circumstances surrounding the collision.
The Aston Martin involved in the accident was reportedly not registered in Sanjush’s name. Meanwhile, Sanjush has maintained that he did not flee the scene after the crash. He has claimed that he helped transport Bharati to the hospital and subsequently cooperated with the police investigation.
Following the post-mortem examination, Bharati’s body was handed over to her brother and later transported to Odisha. Her final post-mortem report is awaited and is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators.
Bharati was reportedly the sole earning member of her family. Her death has raised concerns over the financial difficulties her family may face following the tragedy, with calls emerging for assistance to be provided to her relatives.
The investigation remains underway, with police awaiting the forensic, vehicle inspection and post-mortem reports before drawing further conclusions about responsibility for the fatal accident.
