Cyberabad police have dismissed allegations of political influence, citing specific legal provisions and Supreme Court guidelines for not arresting the Andhra Pradesh MP's son following a fatal luxury car crash.
- A 26-year-old Inorbit Mall employee died in a high-speed Aston Martin crash.
- The accused, Lingameneni Sanjush, is the son of AP Rajya Sabha MP Lingameneni Ramesh.
- Police cited Section 35 of BNSS and Supreme Court precedents for not making an immediate arrest.
- The accused was served a notice to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The Cyberabad police have stepped forward to address the growing controversy surrounding the fatal Aston Martin crash near Inorbit Mall. The incident, which occurred on August 16, resulted in the tragic death of Bharati Mukhi, a 26-year-old sales associate. The driver, identified as Lingameneni Sanjush, the 21-year-old son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP Lingameneni Ramesh, has been named as an accused, sparking intense public debate over his lack of immediate arrest.
Legal Framework and Police Justification
In a formal clarification issued on Friday, Kukatpally Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ritiraj refuted claims that 'extraneous influence' played a role in the decision-making process. The police stated that the case was registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing death by a rash or negligent act.
The crux of the police defense lies in the statutory requirements of the new criminal laws. Since the offense under Section 106(1) BNS carries a maximum punishment of five years—well below the seven-year threshold—the investigating officer is required to assess the necessity of arrest under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The police specifically cited the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar, which restricts unnecessary arrests for offenses with lower sentencing.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this case serves as a critical litmus test for the implementation of the new BNS and BNSS frameworks. As law enforcement transitions to these new statutes, the balance between procedural compliance and public perception of justice becomes increasingly delicate, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.
The adherence to procedural safeguards is essential to prevent arbitrary arrests, even in high-profile cases.
During the initial investigation, Sanjush underwent preliminary alcohol and drug tests, which returned negative results. However, his blood samples have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for conclusive scientific testing. Furthermore, the vehicle has been seized and is undergoing inspection by the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What legal section has been applied in this case?
The police have invoked Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding death caused by negligence.
2. Has the investigation concluded?
No, the investigation is ongoing, pending reports from the FSL and the Motor Vehicle Inspector.