Telangana Constable Critical After Smugglers’ Attack; Family Seeks Kidney Donation

A young Excise Constable in Telangana is in critical condition following a violent attack by a gang involved in ganja smuggling. On January 23, 2024, 23-year-old G Soumya was assaulted while on duty in Nizamabad. She is currently receiving treatment at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), where her family has appealed for a kidney donation to aid in her recovery.

After the attack, Soumya was initially taken to a private hospital in Nizamabad. Doctors performed an emergency procedure, during which they removed her spleen and one kidney due to severe injuries. The situation necessitated her transfer to NIMS for further treatment, where she remains on ventilator support. Officials have indicated that her condition is serious but has shown slight improvement. More detailed updates are expected in the coming days.

During a recent visit to the hospital, state Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, along with Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu and Director of Medical Education Narendra Kumar, expressed their condolences and assured the family that the government is covering all medical expenses related to her treatment. Minister Rajanarasimha stated that support will be extended once Soumya’s condition stabilizes.

Soumya’s family is currently facing a desperate situation. Her mother, Gajula Chandrakala, and brother, Shravan, have made a public appeal for a kidney donation, highlighting the urgency of the matter. “If the request comes from the Health Minister, we may be prioritized, as organ donation usually takes years,” Chandrakala told the Deccan Chronicle. She added, “My unmarried daughter is already in a critical condition.”

A promising young officer, Soumya has been serving in the Excise Department for the past 20 months. She was born and raised in Nizamabad and had aspirations of advancing her career within law enforcement. Her father is reportedly struggling with mental health issues stemming from the trauma of her injuries and remains in Nizamabad.

Doctors at NIMS confirmed that Soumya underwent an exploratory laparotomy, during which significant damage to her liver was discovered alongside internal bleeding and rib injuries. While the surgical removal of her liver was not feasible, she is currently receiving intensive care. As of now, no additional surgeries are planned, and the medical team is focusing on stabilizing her condition.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel, especially those working in high-risk areas such as drug enforcement. The attack on Soumya highlights the dangers faced by officers on the frontline, and her family’s plight underscores the urgent need for support and resources for those affected by such violence.