Excise constable run over by fleeing ganja smugglers in Nizamabad succumbs to injuries

Hyderabad: An excise constable who suffered grievous injuries while attempting to stop ganja smugglers in Nizamabad district succumbed during treatment at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) on Saturday night.

Hit by smugglers’ vehicle

The deceased, Gajula Sowmya (25), was critically injured on January 23 when ganja traffickers rammed their vehicle into her while trying to flee.

The incident occurred during an excise operation in Nizamabad district, where Sowmya displayed exceptional courage in confronting the smugglers without regard for her own safety.

Shifted to NIMS for advanced treatment

Following the incident, Sowmya was initially admitted to a private hospital in Nizamabad, where doctors were forced to remove one of her kidneys as part of emergency treatment.

As her condition remained critical, she was shifted to NIMS, Hyderabad, in the early hours of January 25 for advanced medical care. At NIMS, she was admitted to the ICU and placed on ventilator support.

A multi-disciplinary medical team comprising specialists from emergency medicine, nephrology, cardiology, medical gastroenterology, surgical gastroenterology and critical care monitored her condition round the clock.

Doctors’ efforts fall short

Despite intensive treatment and the best efforts of the medical team, Sowmya’s condition deteriorated. She breathed her last on Saturday night, hospital sources confirmed.

Ministers Damodar Raja Narasimha and Jupally Krishna Rao, along with other public representatives, visited the hospital, enquired about her health condition during treatment and later extended condolences to her grieving family.

A young life lost in the line of duty

Sowmya, a 2024 batch excise constable, hailed from Mosra mandal headquarters in Nizamabad district. Her parents earned their livelihood by selling spices and had struggled to educate their daughter.

Having joined the excise department barely a year ago, Sowmya’s promising career was cut short as she became a victim of brutal violence by smugglers while performing her duty.

Last rites with State Honours for Excise Constable Sowmya

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday directed officials to conduct the funeral of Excise Constable Sowmya with full state honours, recognising her sacrifice in the line of duty.

The decision was communicated through an official statement issued by Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, who said all necessary arrangements would be made to ensure the ceremonies are held with due respect and dignity.