Hyderabad Police Initiate Interpol Red Corner Notice for US-Based Accused in Decade-Old Fatal Crash
In a significant development, Hyderabad police have taken steps to secure the presence of an accused in a tragic 2016 road accident by seeking a red corner notice (RCN) through Interpol, as he is believed to be residing in the United States and evading court proceedings.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The fatal accident occurred on July 1, 2016, near Nagarjuna Circle in Hyderabad. According to police reports, two friends, K Shravil and Vishnu Vineeth, were returning in Vineeth's family car after consuming alcohol at a pub on Banjara Hills Road No. 2. Shravil, allegedly driving in a drunken condition, lost control of the vehicle, rammed a road divider near the Panjagutta graveyard at high speed, and caused the car to flip onto the opposite lane.
At that moment, another car carrying a family was traveling from the Panjagutta flyover. The victims' vehicle collided with the accused's car, which had suddenly fallen in front of them after the initial crash. The accident claimed three lives across three generations: nine-year-old Ramya, her uncle P Rajesh, and her 65-year-old grandfather Madhusudhana Chary. The family had just picked up Ramya from school and was returning home to Borabanda when the tragedy struck.
Ramya battled for her life on ventilator support for nine days before succumbing to her injuries, while Rajesh died on the spot. Grandfather Chary, who was in the ICU for 18 days, passed away on July 19, 2016.
Police Action and Interpol Involvement
Initially, Banjara Hills police booked the accused under sections 304-II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code. However, in 2022, Vineeth was discharged from the section 304-II charge based on a petition he filed, though he continues to face charges under section 326.
Recently, police have intensified efforts against Vineeth, who is accused of being an accomplice in the case. After he allegedly failed to attend court proceedings, a judge issued a non-bailable warrant against him. In February of this year, Banjara Hills police, through the Crime Investigation Department, sent a proposal to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to pursue an RCN against Vineeth for his alleged role in the accident.
The file is currently with the CBI, and they are in the process of sending it to Interpol, according to Banjara Hills police. This move aims to facilitate Vineeth's extradition or return to India to face trial, as he is believed to be staying in the United States.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This case highlights the challenges in prosecuting individuals who flee the country after being involved in serious crimes. The pursuit of a red corner notice underscores the authorities' commitment to ensuring justice for the victims' families, nearly a decade after the incident.
Police emphasize that while Shravil was allegedly driving the car, Vineeth's role as an accomplice makes him accountable under the law. The ongoing legal process seeks to hold both accused responsible for their actions, with the Interpol notice being a critical step in bringing Vineeth back to India.
As the investigation continues, this development serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of drunk driving and the importance of road safety measures in preventing such tragedies.
