In a tragic incident highlighting substance abuse dangers, two auto-rickshaw drivers were found dead early Wednesday morning in Hyderabad. The bodies were discovered inside a parked auto under the Chandrayangutta flyover, in a case police suspect is linked to a drug overdose.
Discovery and Immediate Findings
Local residents alerted the Chandrayangutta police around 8:30 am after spotting two men lying unconscious in the passenger seat of the stationary vehicle. Upon arrival, Sub-Inspector Srinivas confirmed both men were deceased. Assistant Commissioner of Police A Sudhakar stated that the victims showed no signs of external injury. The police swiftly identified the deceased as Jahangir, 24, from Pahadesharif, and Irfan, 25, from Riyasat Nagar in Santosh Nagar.
A critical discovery at the scene pointed to the likely cause. Officers recovered three used syringes and an empty ampoule of Atranium, a potent muscle relaxant medication strictly intended for use in surgical settings by medical professionals.
Investigation Reveals Fatal Night
The police investigation, based on interrogations and family statements, pieced together the events of the previous night. Preliminary inquiries revealed that both Jahangir and Irfan had a history of cannabis (ganja) addiction. The probe detailed that around midnight, Jahangir and an acquaintance named Kalyan, a worker from Balapur, arrived at Mahabubnagar crossroads on a bike.
After parking the bike, they met Irfan and another auto driver, Saifuddin Akram from Vattepally, at the location. According to police, Jahangir, Irfan, and Akram then allegedly injected themselves with Atranium around 12:30 am. Kalyan did not partake.
"After the three took the injection, Jahangir and Irfan fell unconscious. Akram also felt unwell," explained a police officer. Kalyan, who was not under the influence, gave Akram water and left. Akram later also departed, mistakenly believing his companions were merely asleep from the drug's effects.
Medical Warning and Legal Proceedings
Police officials emphasized the extreme danger of misusing such medication. Atranium is not a recreational drug and should only be administered by healthcare experts, a fact corroborated by doctors consulted during the investigation. The officer added that only Jahangir reportedly knew the source of the Atranium injection.
The forensic investigation is now crucial. The seized syringes, empty ampoule, and viscera samples from the victims have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis to confirm the cause of death.
The Chandrayangutta police have registered a case under Section 194 (suspicious death) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The bodies were handed over to the families after a post-mortem at Osmania General Hospital. The search for the supplier of the lethal injection continues as the probe intensifies.
