Woman constable in Nizamabad run over by ganja smugglers during vehicle check; condition critical

Hyderabad: A 23-year-old woman constable of the Prohibition and Excise Department remains in critical condition after being run over by a car belonging to a ganja smuggling gang during a late-night vehicle check in Nizamabad district.

Shifted to Hyderabad for advanced care

Gajula Soumya, who sustained grievous injuries in the incident, was initially admitted to a local hospital. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to Hyderabad and admitted to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) for advanced treatment, officials said.

Incident during vehicle check

The incident occurred late on Friday night near Madhavnagar village when a special excise team, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Swift car suspected of transporting ganja.

As officials moved to check the vehicle, two of the four occupants jumped out and fled.

Soumya, who was standing in front of the car, was struck when the driver suddenly accelerated. After she fell beneath the wheels, the driver allegedly reversed the vehicle to escape before crashing into an electric pole while turning left.

Kidney removed due to severe injuries

Soumya suffered severe internal injuries and doctors were forced to remove one of her kidneys during emergency treatment. Her condition turned critical thereafter, prompting her transfer to Hyderabad.

Arrests and seizure

Police arrested the driver, Saifuddin, and another accused, Syed Sohail, while launching a manhunt for the remaining two suspects, Raheel and Mateen. Excise officials seized 2.5 kg of ganja from the car, which was being transported from Nirmal district to Nizamabad.

Attempt to murder case registered

Based on a complaint from the Prohibition and Excise Department, police registered a case of attempt to murder against the accused. The two arrested men were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Department orders probe, assures support

Taking serious note of the attack on its personnel, the Prohibition and Excise Department constituted a special team to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Senior excise officials visited Soumya’s family and assured them of all necessary assistance and support.