Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Sunday paid homage to the mortal remains of constable Gajula Sowmya at Mosra village in Nizamabad district. | Photo credit: By arrangement
The funeral of constable Gajula Sowmya, who succumbed to injuries in an alleged attack by ganja smugglers in Nizamabad on January 23, was held with full state honors at her native village Mosra in the district on Sunday.
Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Government Advisors P. Sudarshan Reddy and Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Excise Principal Secretary Raghunandan Rao, Collector Ila Tripathi, Nizamabad Police Commissioner Sai Chaitanya and several officials paid floral tributes to the young constable.
Talking to his bereaved family, Minister Krishna Rao assured that the government would provide all possible support. He described the 24-year-old’s courage as exceptional and her death a loss to society, vowing that her sacrifice would not be in vain. He said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the attack.
Banswada MLA and adviser to the state government Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Nizamabad CP Sai Chaitnya carrying the bier of Sowmya. | Photo credit: By arrangement
The minister announced a ₹1 crore ex-gratia, a government job for a family member and a full pension equivalent to her salary and allowances for the rest of her tenure. He added that the government was considering providing arms to excise officers to prevent such incidents in future.
Earlier in the day, the Excise Minister also visited Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad where her body was taken for post-mortem. Mr Rao said Sowmya had shown exceptional courage and determination in confronting those involved in ganja smuggling and described her conduct in the line of duty as exemplary and inspiring. He informed that the Excise Department employees have decided to donate their one-day salary to the bereaved family.
Sowmya, who came from a poor family, was part of an enforcement team trying to stop illegal ganja shipments last week when she was attacked. She was rushed to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, where she died on January 31 while undergoing treatment.
As Soumya’s last journey took place amid police honours, there were emotional scenes in Mosra village where residents, officials and colleagues bid farewell to the young constable.
CM Revanth Reddy condoles the death
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed condolences and deep pain over Sowmy’s death. He instructed police officials to take strict action against those involved in the attack and assured comprehensive support to her family during this difficult time.
Published – 01 Feb 2026 20:13 IST