East Godavari Superintendent of Police D. Narasimha Kishore said on Sunday that the police would file a petition before the court seeking the custody of Suravarapu Daswanth and Andrew Joseph Edwards for further investigation into the death of medico K. Priyanka.
On August 7, the two accused were remanded in judicial custody till August 21 for allegedly hitting Dr. Priyanka with a car in an inebriated condition at a mall in Rajamahendravaram on August 3.
The accused allegedly hit Dr. Priyanka twice with the car before running over her while she was riding pillion on a two-wheeler. She was declared brain dead at G.S.L. Hospital in Rajamahendravaram on the same day and died on August 7 at a private hospital in Secunderabad, according to the G.S.L. Hospital management.
A native of Kurnool district, Dr. Priyanka had enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) course at G.S.L. Medical College, Rajamahendravaram, in February 2026.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference here on Sunday, Mr. Narasimha Kishore said the police would seek the custody of the two accused for further investigation. “As per the preliminary probe, Dr. Priyanka and the accused were not known to each other,” he said.
Mr. Daswanth, who was driving the car that hit Dr. Priyanka, holds an engineering degree and was preparing to go abroad, while Mr. Edwards operates lorries on hire, the SP said.
“The case was registered under the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder as of August 9. The charges will be altered based on the findings of the further investigation,” Mr. Narasimha Kishore said.
₹20 lakh financial assistance
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed anguish over Dr. Priyanka’s death and directed officials to extend ₹20 lakh financial assistance to her family. He assured the family of the government’s continued support and directed the authorities to provide all possible assistance.
Mr. Naidu, who had earlier reviewed the incident with the District Collector and SP, directed the authorities to ensure stringent legal action against those responsible. He also assured the family of a speedy investigation and trial.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said the State government would bear the medical expenses incurred by Dr. Priyanka since August 3. He said the Chief Minister had assured the family of justice.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and Home Minister V. Anitha also expressed grief over Dr. Priyanka’s death and assured the family of government support. Ms. Anitha said strict action would be taken against those responsible.
Published – August 09, 2026 08:34 pm IST
