Hyderabad, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cyberabad Police on Friday defended their decision not to arrest Jana Sena MP Lingamaneni Ramesh’s 21-year-old son, Lingamaneni Sanjush, in connection with the death of a 26-year-old woman in a road accident, saying the decision was based on legal requirements and the evidence available at the time.
The police rejected allegations that the accused was spared arrest because of any external or political influence, calling such claims “incorrect and unwarranted”.
Sanjush has been booked under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly causing the death of Bharathi Mukhi by driving rashly and negligently. Mukhi, a sales executive at a Lifestyle store in Inorbit Mall, was killed on August 16 after allegedly being run over by an Aston Martin while crossing the road opposite the mall in Hyderabad’s Madhapur area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj said the case was registered at Madhapur Police Station and remains under investigation.
Police said the driver was apprehended after the case was registered and subjected to preliminary alcohol and drug tests, both of which were negative. His blood samples were subsequently sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.
The Aston Martin was seized and sent for inspection by the Motor Vehicle Inspector, with the report still awaited. Police said the report and other evidence would be considered as part of the investigation.
Explaining the decision not to arrest Sanjush, the DCP said Section 106(1) BNS, carrying a maximum sentence of five years, was invoked based on the circumstances and information then available.
Since the alleged offence carries a maximum punishment of less than seven years, the investigating officer was required to assess whether arrest was necessary under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar.
“On an objective assessment of the material then available, no circumstances warranting the arrest of the accused were found to exist,” the DCP said.
Police subsequently issued a notice under Section 35 of the BNSS directing Sanjush to appear and cooperate with the investigation.
The DCP said the procedure followed by the investigating officer was consistent with statutory requirements and Supreme Court guidelines governing arrests in offences punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment.
The investigation remains underway. Police said the MVI report and other relevant evidence would be collected and assessed, and that further action, including arrest if warranted by subsequently gathered material, would be taken strictly in accordance with law.
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