Family expresses concern as Dr. Namrata Chigurupati arrested in drug case amid mental health struggles
Hyderabad: The family of Dr. Namrata Chigurupati has expressed deep anguish over her recent arrest in a drug-related case, urging the public to understand her actions in the context of severe emotional distress rather than addiction. They clarified that Dr. Namrata Chigurupati resorted to drug use only during a prolonged period of psychological pain and was not a habitual user.
According to her family, Dr. Namrata Chigurupati’s emotional decline began nearly 18 months ago following serious differences with her husband, which ultimately led to their separation and divorce. Though she had completed her specialization in Radiation Oncology and later studied Hospital Administration at ESADE University in Spain, the personal turmoil significantly affected her mental health.
She had returned to Hyderabad and taken on the role of CEO at Omega Hospitals, a position earned through her qualifications rather than family ties. However, by 2022, she stepped down from her post, citing an inability to manage her responsibilities due to growing emotional distress.
In the months that followed, Dr. Namrata Chigurupati isolated herself from friends and family. Her condition worsened, with reports of her fainting due to not eating properly, raising concerns among those close to her. During this period, she reportedly reconnected with former classmates from Spain, seeking support and guidance. Based on their suggestions, she is believed to have procured a small quantity of drugs in a desperate attempt to cope.
Her family insists she used the substance only once or twice and was not aware of the legal consequences when she tried to obtain it again. During a recent attempt to purchase drugs, she was arrested by Rayadurg police, who had been monitoring the dealer.
Police said Dr. Namrata Chigurupati was caught receiving a delivery of 53 grams of cocaine arranged by Vansh Thakkar, a known drug smuggler based in Mumbai. Balakrishna, 38, had been dispatched to deliver the drugs.
Authorities reported that ₹5 lakh had been transferred by Dr. Namrata Chigurupati for the purchase. Along with the cocaine, police seized ₹10,000 in cash and two mobile phones. Preliminary investigations indicate that she may have spent up to ₹70 lakh on drugs over the past four years.
Following the arrest, Omega Hospitals released a public statement distancing itself from Dr. Namrata Chigurupati, stating she holds no role at the institution. “This is an isolated incident involving personal actions. Dr. Namrata Chigurupati is not connected to Omega Hospitals in any capacity,” the statement read. The hospital urged the media to avoid linking the incident to the institution.
Dr. Namrata Chigurupati’s family highlighted her professional integrity, noting that she never treated her role at the hospital as a personal entitlement and refrained from clinical duties. She maintained professional boundaries and stepped down voluntarily when she felt unable to fulfill her responsibilities.
In conversations with her family, Dr. Namrata Chigurupati had reportedly described her emotional pain as overwhelming, saying she feared it might lead to a coma. They maintain that her decision to use drugs was a last resort during a time of intense psychological suffering.
