₹1 crore ex-gratia to young Constable Sowmya’s family; Telangana CM orders stringent against those responsible for her death

Telangana Government has announced ₹1 crore ex-gratia to the family of 25-year-old Gajula Sowmya, the Prohibition and Excise constable who was injured while attempting to apprehend ganja smugglers in Nizamabad, and died on Saturday (January 31, 2026). Besides this, the Prohibition and Excise Minister, Jupally Krishna Rao, announced a government job for her brother. The Government will continue to pay Soumya’s salary for the remaining period of her service, up to the notional date of retirement.

Several Ministers have reacted to her death. Anguished over the Somwya’s death, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed Police to take stringent action against those responsible for her death. 

She was admitted to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad where she underwent treatment. However, after treatment for a week, Sowmya passed away on Saturday (January 31, 2026). The Chief Minister assured the bereaved family members of all kinds of help from the Government. 

The Excise Minister on Sunday paid tributes to mortal remains of Sowmya at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, where her body was taken for post-mortem examination, and consoled the family members.

Mr. Rao said that Soumya displayed exceptional courage and commitment while confronting those involved in ganja smuggling, and described her conduct in the line of duty as exemplary and inspiring. He said that Excise Department employees decided to give one day salary to the family.

Stating that safety of the Department’s staff and officials is Government’s responsibility, the Excise Minister said that the proposal to give arms to the Officials is under consideration by the Government and a decision would be taken soon.