Excise Constable Soumya Run Over by Ganja Smugglers Succumbs, Revanth Reddy Condoles

Soumya had dreamt of becoming a police officer and was preparing for higher posts such as circle inspector and Group examinations to support her poor family. Her parents earn a living by selling locally made masala in markets.

Later in the day, the last rites of Soumya were conducted at her native village, Mosra with state honours. Excise minister Jupally Krishna Rao and several leaders and officials were present and consoled her family members.

A large number of excise personnel and villagers took part in the final procession.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed condolences over Soumya’s death and ordered strict action against those responsible.

Her brother Shravan, now the sole earning hope of the family, recalled that Soumya had paid his coaching fees to help him prepare for competitive exams. “She wanted to serve the people and the State,” he told Deccan Chronicle, breaking down.

Soumya’s parents earned their livelihood by selling pulses and spices. Despite poverty, they ensured their daughter received a good education. Soumya fulfilled her parents’ hopes placed on her. Through hard work, she secured a job as an excise constable.

Sri Vidya, a friend who prepared for excise constable recruitment along with Soumya, said: “We are from Nizamabad and whenever I called her after duty hours, she would say she had just finished work and was late. She never returned home early. She worked hard to give a better life to her parents, who are poor and sell masala packets in markets. She topped in all her education and was the only earning member of her family.”

Excise officials said the nature of their job often involved chasing ganja gangs who flee at high speed. Soumya had no enmity with anyone and was known for her dedication and timeliness.

P. Swapna, SHO of Nizamabad Excise, who was on ground with Soumya, said: “She was like a right hand to me. Soumya knew all the work and never shirked responsibility. If she didn’t know something, she would learn it. She handled administration, court documentation, charge sheets and sample collection with ease.

Excise minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Sunday paid tributes to excise constable Gajula Soumya and assured her family that the government would stand by them. Apart from the ex gratia amount of ₹1 crore, the government would pay her salary till the deemed date of Soumya’s retirement and provide a government job for her brother.

Excise department officials and staff announced that they would contribute one day’s salary to support Soumya’s family.

Speaking to the media, Krishna Rao described Soumya’s dedication and commitment to duty as inspirational. He said the government was determined to ensure the safety of excise department. He added that a proposal to allot arms to excise department personnel was under active consideration by the government. Additional Commissioner of Excise Qureshi, representatives of the Excise Department Officers’ Association and other officials were present on the occasion.

Hyderabad police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar hailed excise constable G. Soumya, saying, “There is no death for your courage, mother!” and describing her as having died a hero’s death in the line of duty. He said Soumya had faced death with courage in her task to stop drug addiction.

“If you go to stop illegal trafficking… you are mercilessly run over and killed by a vehicle. You can understand how the drug mafia is fuelled. This incident is proof of how serious the threat of drugs is. Soumya’s death is not just a tragedy, it is a warning to society,” Sajjanar said.