SI on Ganesh immersion duty dies after hit-and-run on NTR Marg, Hyderabad

By HyderabadAds Local News Desk

A 55-year-old sub-inspector of police, deployed for Ganesh idol immersion duty on NTR Marg in Hyderabad, died after being knocked down by an unidentified motorcycle on Tuesday. The incident has raised fresh concerns about road safety and enforcement measures during major public events in the city.

Por que importa

The victim, K. Venkanna, was attached to the Kothagudem Two Town police station and was assigned to manage crowds at crane-2 on NTR Marg, a stretch that sees heavy foot and vehicle traffic during the immersion processions. According to police, the motorcycle struck him and fled the scene. Venkanna lost his balance and fell on the road. Believing his injuries were minor, he decided to return to Warangal, his home base. But after reaching Warangal, he developed giddiness and was rushed to MGM Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

Incident details

The hit-and-run occurred in the afternoon of September 23, 2026, during the peak of Ganesh immersion activities. NTR Marg is one of the key routes used by thousands of devotees carrying idols to the Hussain Sagar lake. Police often deploy additional personnel along the road to manage traffic and prevent accidents. Despite these arrangements, the motorcycle allegedly struck the officer from behind and sped away. Initial assessments at the scene suggested only minor trauma, but the officer’s condition deteriorated hours later. Hospital staff at MGM Hospital in Warangal confirmed that he died due to complications arising from internal injuries.

Contexto

Victim background

K. Venkanna was a veteran officer with decades of service, currently posted in Kothagudem, about 200 km from Hyderabad. He had been deputed to Hyderabad specifically for Ganesh immersion duty, a routine practice where police from neighbouring districts are called in to supplement local forces during large festivals. Colleagues described him as diligent and dedicated. His death has sent shockwaves through the department, and senior officials have expressed condolences to his family.

Investigation and CCTV review

Hyderabad police have registered a case of hit-and-run and dangerous driving. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from cameras installed along NTR Marg to identify the motorcycle and its rider. Traffic police officials said the stretch has multiple surveillance cameras, and they are confident of tracing the vehicle. They have also appealed to eyewitnesses to come forward. The unidentified motorcycle may have been involved in similar violations in the past; police are checking vehicle registration records for leads.

Safety concerns and public impact

The incident highlights the risks faced by police personnel during large-scale public events, particularly on busy roads like NTR Marg. While traffic management plans are in place, the presence of thousands of pedestrians, slow-moving processions, and two-wheelers weaving through congested areas creates a high-risk environment. For Hyderabad residents and devotees, this tragedy underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules during festivals, including speed limits, lane discipline, and dedicated pathways for emergency and duty vehicles. The GHMC and Hyderabad Traffic Police may need to review deployment protocols and ensure that officers on duty have better protective visibility and emergency response access.

Datos clave
| Data point | Details |
|————|———|
| Victim | SI K. Venkanna, 55, Kothagudem Two Town PS |
| Location | Crane-2, NTR Marg, Hyderabad (Ganesh immersion duty) |
| Incident | Hit-and-run by unidentified motorcycle on 23 Sep 2026 |
| Hospital | MGM Hospital, Warangal (succumbed later) |

Source: Telangana Today – SI on Ganesh immersion duty succumbs after hit-and-run on NTR Marg in Hyderabad (telanganatoday.com/… )

Datos clave