Rajahmundry Hit-and-Run: MP Purandeswari Demands Strict Action

The death of Dr K. Priyanka, a postgraduate medical student who suffered critical injuries in a hit-and-run in Rajamahendravaram, has triggered widespread grief and anger, with political leaders, medical students and her family demanding stringent action against those responsible.

Priyanka, a postgraduate student at GSL Medical College, died on Sunday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. She had been battling severe head injuries after an SUV allegedly rammed the two-wheeler on which she was travelling near Prasaditya Mall on August 3.

Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari expressed deep anguish over Priyanka’s death and joined a candlelight programme organised by GSL educational institutions and medical students. Paying tribute to the young doctor, she assured the bereaved family of her support and called for strict legal action against those responsible.

According to police accounts, Priyanka and fellow postgraduate student V.V.D. Sai Umesh were travelling on a two-wheeler when an SUV allegedly struck their vehicle. The occupants of the car were identified as Suravarapu Daswanth and Andrew Joseph Edwards.

Police said the accused had allegedly consumed alcohol before the incident. Reports indicated that they had an altercation with mall security personnel before leaving the premises. CCTV footage reportedly showed the SUV hitting the two-wheeler multiple times. Priyanka suffered severe head injuries, while Umesh sustained comparatively minor injuries.

Priyanka was initially treated in Rajamahendravaram before being shifted to Hyderabad for advanced medical care. Despite intensive efforts by doctors, her condition remained critical. She was later declared brain-dead and died on Sunday afternoon, leaving her family and fellow medical students devastated.

The two accused were arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police subsequently invoked more stringent provisions as the investigation progressed. Following Priyanka’s death, further legal action is expected based on the circumstances established during the probe.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced ₹20 lakh ex-gratia for Priyanka’s family. He directed officials to take stringent action against those responsible and condemned drunk and reckless driving.

Priyanka’s death has renewed concerns over road safety and drunk driving, with students and her family demanding justice. Purandeswari also urged authorities to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.