Lingamaneni Sanjush, the 21-year-old son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, has returned negative in preliminary screening for alcohol and narcotic substances following a fatal road accident in Hyderabad on 16 August. The crash, involving a luxury Aston Martin, claimed the life of 26-year-old sales executive Bharati Mukhi, who was declared dead on arrival at Apollo Hospital.

What Happened Near Inorbit Mall

The collision occurred near Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad, when Sanjush was allegedly driving the Aston Martin at high speed in a rash and negligent manner. The vehicle struck Bharati Mukhi, a sales executive, who was rushed to Apollo Hospital but could not be saved. Police have since seized the Aston Martin and referred it to a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) for technical examination; the inspection report is still awaited.

Notably, the Aston Martin involved was reportedly not registered in Sanjush's name. Sanjush has maintained that he did not flee the scene — he claims to have assisted in transporting Bharati to the hospital before cooperating with investigators.

Forensic and Legal Process

Despite the negative preliminary screening results, Hyderabad police have forwarded Sanjush's blood samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for comprehensive analysis. The FSL findings, the MVI inspection report, and Bharati's post-mortem report — which is still awaited — are expected to be central to the investigation's outcome.

A case has been registered against Sanjush under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing death by a rash or negligent act and carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He was not arrested immediately; instead, authorities issued him a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing him to cooperate with the probe.

Police Deny Preferential Treatment

The Deputy Commissioner of Police pushed back against allegations that Sanjush was spared arrest due to his father's political standing. The officer stated that the decision not to detain him was consistent with legal provisions and Supreme Court guidelines governing custodial arrests, which require sufficient evidentiary grounds. Police added that an arrest remains possible if subsequent forensic or technical evidence warrants it.

The Victim and Her Family

Bharati Mukhi was reportedly the sole earning member of her family. Following her post-mortem examination in Hyderabad, her body was handed over to her brother and taken to Odisha. Her death has prompted calls for financial assistance for her family, even as the investigation continues to unfold.

What Comes Next

Investigators are continuing to gather forensic, technical, and witness evidence to establish the precise sequence of events. The FSL report, MVI findings, and post-mortem results are expected to determine whether charges are escalated and whether Sanjush faces arrest. The case has drawn public attention to questions of accountability when road-accident suspects have prominent political connections.