They described her as a woman battling intense emotional and psychological pain following a traumatic divorce, who made a regrettable decision in a moment of extreme vulnerability.
Published May 15, 2025 | 7:35 PM ⚊ Updated May 15, 2025 | 7:35 PM
During interrogation, Chigurupati allegedly confessed to having spent nearly ₹70 lakh on drugs over time
Synopsis: Dr Chigurupati Namrata’s family has denied claims she was a habitual drug user, after her arrest in Hyderabad for allegedly procuring 53 grams of cocaine, insisting her actions stemmed from severe emotional distress following a traumatic divorce.
The family of Dr Chigurupati Namrata, the former CEO of Omega Hospitals who was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly procuring 53 grams of cocaine, has strongly denied allegations that she was a habitual drug user.
They describe her as a woman battling intense emotional and psychological pain following a traumatic divorce, who made a regrettable decision in a moment of extreme vulnerability – not out of addiction, but as an act of desperation.
“It is deeply painful for us to see her being portrayed as an addict,” a close family member said.
“She resorted to substance use only under extreme emotional distress and unbearable depression, not out of habitual dependence.”
According to her family, Dr Namrata’s troubles began in late 2022 after her marriage fell apart.
“Around a year and a half ago, differences began to emerge between Dr Namrata and her husband, eventually leading to their separation. This marked the beginning of her emotional decline. Despite having completed her hospital management studies in Spain and taking on the role of CEO at Omega Hospitals based on her qualifications, the personal turmoil and ongoing conflicts deeply affected her mental well-being,” they said.
Over the next year, she reportedly became withdrawn, severely depressed and increasingly isolated. Her family noted that she had stopped eating properly and, on multiple occasions, lost consciousness due to weakness.
“By 2022, overwhelmed by stress and emotional distress, she completely withdrew from her responsibilities at the hospital and stepped down from her CEO position. Following the divorce, her depression worsened. She distanced herself from friends and family, choosing to remain isolated at home.”
A trained radiation oncologist, Dr Namrata later pursued a master’s in hospital administration at ESADE Business School in Spain. Upon returning to India, she joined Omega Hospitals, which was founded by her father, Dr Ch Mohana Vamsy. However, the family insists she was appointed CEO based strictly on her qualifications and professional merit.
“Despite being the founder’s daughter, she never claimed special privileges. She took her role seriously and never crossed into clinical matters,” they said.
“She always maintained a clear boundary between administration and clinical matters – never involving herself in patient consultations, whether outpatient or inpatient. She was known for treating doctors, staff and hospital authorities with utmost respect, and carried herself with the mindset of being a contributing team member rather than a privileged owner.”
In 2022, as her personal life spiralled into distress, she voluntarily stepped down as CEO.
“She knew she could no longer give her best to the institution, and she refused to compromise the standards of leadership that she believed in,” the family explained.
Dr Namrata’s drug use, the family insists, was not habitual.
“She never had any history of drug use, abuse or addiction,” they said.
After distancing herself from her family and social circle in India, she reconnected with a few friends from Spain who, in hindsight, may not have given the best advice.
“Based on their suggestions, she is believed to have recently procured a small quantity of drugs in an attempt to find temporary relief,” the family said.
According to them, she may have used the drug once or twice, but was not addicted and had no plans of continued use.
Unbeknown to her, the drug supplier she contacted was under surveillance. During a second alleged transaction, she and the courier were arrested by Hyderabad police.
“She never imagined she would be caught up in a criminal case. It was a mistake – a serious one – but to paint her as a drug trafficker or long-term addict is simply untrue,” the family said.
“We are not denying that what happened was wrong.”
The family also claimed that Dr Namrata is not a ‘criminal addict’ and needs support not be subject of sensationalism
“But there is a big difference between a criminal addict and someone who made a poor decision in a moment of psychological collapse,” they said.
“She needs support and treatment, not stigma and sensationalism.”
