Who Owned the Merc in Fatal Durgam Cheruvu Crash?

In a shocking turn of events following a tragic accident on the Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge, authorities are unraveling a complex web of ownership surrounding the Mercedes-Benz that caused the fatal collision. In the early hours of April 19, the luxury vehicle, reportedly speeding, crashed into 32-year-old businessman Shyam Raj, inflicting life-altering injuries. Raj, who was on an outing with his wife, succumbed to injuries later that day, prompting an urgent manhunt for the unidentified driver who fled the scene.

Investigators have traced the car's tumultuous ownership history, revealing it has changed hands multiple times over the past decade. Initially registered to Quantum Minerals and Metals Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based company, the vehicle is now in the possession of a Hyderabad-based software professional, who has emerged as the prime suspect in the ongoing investigation. Police officials confirmed that the vehicle has not been recorded as sold since its last transaction, and efforts to locate the current owner have proven futile; both the addresses and phone numbers linked to him remain unresponsive.

The history of this particular Mercedes is marked by financial troubles that led to its initial seizure by a lending institution. After defaulting on payments, the vehicle was auctioned, changing hands from a West Bengal buyer to a car dealer in Hyderabad before being sold to its current owner for Rs 4.5 lakh in November 2024. The story of the car’s ownership raises questions about due diligence in vehicle registration processes, as the Kolkata company has yet to provide a clear explanation for the discrepancies surrounding the vehicle's title.

As the investigation unfolds, the police are actively pursuing leads to locate the suspect while simultaneously seeking more information from Quantum Minerals and Metals. An official noted that the firm initially had responded verbally but has yet to provide the necessary documentation or a written account of their ownership claims. With the tragic accident shedding light on potential lapses in the transfer and registration of luxury vehicles, this case presents a critical opportunity for law enforcement to examine how such vehicles can evade proper accountability in the face of serious crime and public safety concerns.