Police Explain Notice Issued to Driver in Fatal Madhapur Inorbit Mall Road Accident

The Madhapur police have clarified that 21-year-old L Sanjush, the driver involved in a fatal road accident in front of Inorbit Mall in Madhapur, was not arrested initially because the circumstances did not warrant an arrest at that stage of the investigation.

The accident occurred on August 16 when 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi, a sales worker at Lifestyle Store, was hit by a car while crossing the road. Police stated that Mukhi and her colleague Pooja Ashok had gone near ITC Kohenur to collect meals and were returning towards Inorbit Mall when the car, bearing registration number TG-09-G-0666, allegedly struck Mukhi. She suffered severe head injuries and was taken to Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills, where doctors declared her dead.

Madhapur police registered a case and identified Sanjush as the driver. He was detained, and preliminary alcohol and drug tests came back negative. His blood samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further scientific examination. Police also seized the vehicle and sent it for a Motor Vehicle Inspector inspection, the report for which remains awaited.

Addressing questions regarding why the driver was not arrested, DCP Kukatpally Ritiraj explained that because the alleged offence carries a punishment of less than seven years' imprisonment, police were required to follow Supreme Court guidelines to evaluate whether an arrest was necessary.

After assessing the available material, police found no circumstances warranting arrest at that stage and instead issued a notice to Sanjush under Section 35 BNSS, directing him to appear and cooperate with the inquiry.

The DCP rejected allegations that police avoided making an arrest to favour the accused, maintaining that the decision followed statutory requirements and evidence available at the time. Police stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and further action, including arrest, will be taken if supported by subsequent evidence.