A dump truck hit Bhupalpally’s DTO and killed him while inspecting the vehicle

District Transport Officer (DTO) Venkanna | Photo credit: By arrangement

District Transport Officer (DTO) M Venkanna was killed after he was hit by a truck loaded with coal near the Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Chelpur in Ghangapur (Mulugu) on the Parkal-Bhupalpally highway in the district on Monday (June 22).

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Sirisetti Sankeerth, the tipper truck (TS22T2687) hit Mr. Venkanna when he was alighting from an official vehicle (TS03FG3339) and was regulating traffic to facilitate the entry of the impounded harvester into the RTO premises. A truck loaded with coal was heading towards the TGGENCO power station when it hit the officer. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling at high speed and in a rash manner.

Following the incident, Mr. Venkanna sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. His body was taken to the district hospital for an autopsy. The truck involved in the accident was impounded and the driver, Mohammed Taslim, was taken into custody.

Officers are investigating all possible angles, including whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.

The SP further said that a detailed investigation is underway and strict legal action will be initiated against those found responsible. Mr. Venkanna was transferred to Bhupalpalla from Jagtial only about two weeks ago. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the death of DTO and assured that the government would support his family by all means. Following this, the Ministry of Transport, Roads and Buildings issued a GO appointing Joint Commissioner of Transport M. Chandra Shekar Goud as the Inquiry Officer.

According to the GO, the Investigating Officer (IO) has been asked to find out the circumstances leading to the accident and submit a detailed report to the government at the earliest through the Transport Commissioner. The IO was also directed to recommend measures to enhance the safety of field police officers and personnel engaged in enforcement duties on public roads, besides suggesting changes in enforcement protocols, safety equipment and standard operating procedures for vehicle detention and seizure operations, if necessary.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar also expressed shock over the incident and said an inquiry into the accident has been ordered. The minister said in a statement that Mr. Venkanna died in the line of duty and offered his condolences to the bereaved family.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 11:28 IST