Andhra hit-and-run victim Dr Priyanka dies at KIMS Hyderabad; two accused face charges
Hyderabad, August 9: Dr Priyanka, a first-year postgraduate medical student injured in a hit-and-run in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajahmundry city last week, died at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here on Sunday. Doctors confirmed that she passed away at 3.25 PM.
The case has triggered grief and anger among medical students, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for her family.
The accident in Rajahmundry
The accident took place on Tuesday, August 3. According to The Siasat Daily, Dr Priyanka was leaving Prasad Aditya Mall in Rajahmundry after watching a movie with a classmate when their two-wheeler was hit by a Tata Nexon car.
The vehicle was allegedly driven by Suravarapu Dushyanth and Andrew William Joseph. Police said the two men were under the influence of alcohol. The report further alleged that the car was rammed again from behind, running over Dr Priyanka. She fell from the scooter and hit her head, sustaining grievous injuries.
Dr Priyanka was a first-year dermatology postgraduate student at GSL Medical College in Rajahmundry. She was a native of Jogulamba Gadwal district. Her parents were residing in Hyderabad, which was why she was later shifted to the city for advanced treatment.
Treatment in Hyderabad and death
Initially, Dr Priyanka was rushed to a hospital in Rajahmundry. With her condition not improving, she was transferred to Hyderabad for ventilator support and advanced care. Doctors at KIMS later declared her brain dead.
Despite efforts to save her, her condition worsened, and she died on the morning of Sunday, August 9, the hospital confirmed.
Her father told reporters that she was the first doctor in their extended family. The loss has particularly affected the medical student community, many of whom are demanding harsh punishment for the accused.
Police case against the accused
After the crash, Suravarapu Dushyanth and Andrew William Joseph allegedly fled the spot. Police identified and arrested both men using CCTV footage, witness statements and physical evidence.
Initially, police booked the accused under Section 338 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing severe injury through reckless driving. Following further investigation, authorities added Section 308, relating to attempted culpable homicide.
Since Dr Priyanka has now died, questions are being raised about whether the chargesheet will be updated to include more serious death-related provisions. The original report does not clearly state whether such sections have been added after her death.
CM’s response and aid announced
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the death and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the family. He said it was extremely tragic that a promising medical student had lost her life due to the negligence of youths driving under the influence of alcohol.
Naidu said the accused had already been arrested and were in jail. He directed police officials to ensure that those responsible receive stringent punishment. In a post on X, he said clear instructions had been given to ensure that those who took an innocent life through negligence do not escape the law.
The CM also directed authorities to provide all possible assistance to the family during the difficult time.
What this means for readers
For Hyderabad residents, the case is a reminder that road accidents caused by drunk driving can have delayed but devastating consequences. A rider who appears to survive the initial impact can still suffer fatal head injuries, and legal charges may become more serious after the victim succumbs.
The case also highlights how CCTV footage and witness statements are being used to trace hit-and-run drivers. Police in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been under pressure to act quickly in such incidents, especially when the victim is a young professional.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accident date | August 3 in Rajahmundry, after Dr Priyanka left a mall with a classmate |
| Victim | Dr Priyanka, first-year dermatology PG student at GSL Medical College |
| Death | August 9, 3.25 PM at KIMS Hyderabad; declared brain dead earlier |
| Accused | Suravarapu Dushyanth and Andrew William Joseph; arrested, booked under BNS Sections 338 and 308 |
| Relief announced | Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia by Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu |
What remains unclear
The early police statement did not specify whether additional sections, such as those for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, have been added now that Dr Priyanka has died. The full chargesheet, including the role of each accused and the exact sequence of events outside the mall, has not yet been made public.
It is also not yet known whether the accused have applied for bail or whether the family has sought any further legal action beyond the existing police case. Since the report relies partly on police accounts and the CM’s public statement, the final outcome will depend on the investigation and court proceedings.