Attack on excise constable an assault on State authority, says Jupally Krishna Rao

Minister for Prohibition and Excise Jupally Krishna Rao on Sunday (January 25) strongly condemned the attack on Excise Constable Soumya, who was seriously injured during an operation to apprehend ganja smugglers in Nizamabad after the suspects allegedly rammed their car into her, describing it as a heinous act and a direct assault on the authority of the State. He asserted that attacks on duty-bound officers would not be tolerated and warned that those involved would face stringent action.

The Minister enquired about the health condition of Constable Soumya who is undergoing treatment in NIMS Hospital. He reviewed the treatment being provided and directed hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for her speedy and complete recovery.

Mr. Rao also spoke to Soumya’s family members and extended moral support, assuring them that the State government stood firmly with the constable during the difficult period.

Taking serious note of the incident, the Minister instructed the Director of Excise and senior officials to immediately review and strengthen safety protocols during enforcement operations. He stressed that no officer should be left vulnerable while discharging official duties and directed the department to ensure adequate manpower, protective equipment and logistical support for field staff.

Stating that criminal elements involved in such attacks would not be spared, Mr. Rao noted that two of the accused had already been arrested. He directed officials to apprehend the remaining suspects at the earliest and book them under the most stringent provisions of law.

Meanwhile, Prohibition and Excise Commissioner C. Harikiran visited NIMS Hospital on Sunday to enquire about the health condition of Constable Soumya. The Commissioner took the initiative to shift her from Nizamabad to NIMS for emergency treatment and interacted with doctors to assess her condition and the course of treatment.

Mr. Harikiran also met Ms. Soumya’s family members, including her mother Chandrakanta and brother Shravan, and assured them of full support from the department, including bearing all medical expenses.