A tragic incident in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, left a 28-year-old medical student, Dr. Priyanka, brain-dead after being run over by a car driven recklessly following an argument at a shopping mall.
The incident occurred because two young men who were under the influence of alcohol had a fight with security staff in the mall, according to early information. After the fight, the men escaped from the mall in a car at high speed, the police said.
#AndhraPradesh - A 28 YO medical student Dr. Priyanka, was declared brain dead after she was run over by a car following an altercation at a mall Rajahmundry.
— NewsMeter (@NewsMeter_In) August 6, 2026
Two youth under the influence of alcohol, got into a dispute with mall security before driving away recklessly. pic.twitter.com/VEq3w4uoPl
Police said that while driving away, the vehicle hit Dr. Priyanka, and she suffered severe injuries. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and doctors tried to save her. She was later declared brain dead due to her severe injuries.
The two suspects were said to be heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident, police said. The mall's security staff, as well as the way the vehicle struck the victim, are under investigation, and the cause of the incident is being investigated.
CCTV footage is being examined from the mall and the surrounding locations to reconstruct the incident. Statements by witnesses, security professionals, and other people who were at the scene are also being recorded as part of the investigation.
Police will be able to verify if the driver was under the influence of alcohol through medical and forensic evidence. The results of the investigation will form a central part of the investigation, and the legal provisions applicable in the case will be determined.
The incident has raised a lot of concern about reckless driving and the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that impaired driving greatly increases the risk of fatal accidents and endangers pedestrians as well as other road users.
Medical professionals have also pointed out that traumatic brain injuries have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Brain death cases frequently bring back a discussion around road safety, responsible driving, and tightening traffic law enforcement.
The police registered a case and are investigating. Officials advised the public not to say anything about what happened in the incident while this investigation is on. They said the investigation will be followed up with legal action if such a case is found.
The case is so far a matter of great public interest in Andhra Pradesh, and people are mourning the tragedy and demanding more severe action against reckless and drunken driving. More details are expected to emerge as forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and witness accounts are all collected, they say.
