Chest-deep in floodwater, Cyberabad constable pulls woman to safety from submerged car

As heavy rain lashed Hyderabad on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, submerging many roads in the IT corridor, traffic police action at the critical waterlogging point helped rescue a young woman trapped inside a partially submerged car.

Constable C. Venkataiah of Gachibowli Traffic Police was on duty near Santosh Dhaba in Kothaguda-Kondapur area, one of the 15 critical waterlogging spots identified by Cyberabad police. Tasked with monitoring the vulnerable spot, he arrived shortly before heavy rains hit the area.

As water quickly accumulated on the road, 22-year-old Mahima Reddy found herself trapped in her sedan. Within minutes, water flooded around the vehicle and began to enter the cabin.

“Water started flowing into the car and within minutes it reached my chest. The door wouldn’t open and I almost drowned,” Ms. Reddy recalled.

Police said increased water pressure prevented him from opening the car doors from the inside, and he became trapped as the water level rose.

Constable C. Venkataiah of Gachibowli Traffic Police rescues a young woman trapped inside a partially submerged car | Photo Credit: Special editing

At that time, Mr. Venkataiah was clearing debris and garbage from the drain hole to prevent rainwater from flowing freely and blocking the carriageway. Citizens who noticed the driver stuck in the vehicle immediately rushed to his aid.

As the water reached a depth of about five feet around the vehicle, Mr. Venkataiah, with the help of residents, forced open the car door from outside and pulled Mahima to safety before the situation deteriorated.

The rescue efforts took place amid widespread disruption caused by heavy rain, which caused severe waterlogging and traffic jams lasting for kilometres, in several parts of Hyderabad, especially in the IT corridor.

Gachibowli Traffic Inspector Gona Suresh said Mr. Venkataiah was specially posted at the flood point to take preventive measures.

“Police officers are trained to avoid puddles and proactively help people in such situations, but it is crucial to remain cool. Even though there was no backup there, he reacted immediately and ensured the woman was rescued safely,” the inspector said.

At a time when social media was flooded with images of flooded roads, traffic congestion and social disruptions after rain, a traffic cop wading through chest-deep water to save a stranded driver stood out as a rare positive story. This move earned Mr. Venkataiah praise from citizens and senior civil servants alike; Siberabad Commissioner M. Ramesh is expected to reward him for his exemplary service.