CustodialProbe – Andhra Police Inquiry Deepens Over Sai Krishna Case
CustodialProbe – The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a detailed inquiry into the disappearance of Gade Sai Krishna, a known rowdy-sheeter, after allegations emerged that he went missing following police custody. The case has attracted widespread public attention across the state, leading authorities to appoint a senior officer to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The government has assigned East Godavari district Superintendent of Police D. Narasimha Kishore to lead the investigation. His appointment comes amid growing concerns over claims of custodial abuse and allegations that Sai Krishna may have died while under police supervision at the Krishna Lanka police station in Vijayawada.
Senior Officer Begins Independent Investigation
Sources familiar with the inquiry said that SP Narasimha Kishore, accompanied by senior officials, visited the Krishna Lanka police station on Thursday. During the visit, the team reportedly reviewed station records, examined available evidence, and gathered information relevant to the ongoing probe.
The investigation is expected to determine the sequence of events that led to Sai Krishna’s disappearance and assess whether established police procedures were followed.
Family Demands Answers From Authorities
Sai Krishna’s family has continued to press authorities for clarity regarding his whereabouts. His mother, Vijayalakshmi, made an emotional appeal, urging officials to disclose what happened to her son.
According to family members, uncertainty surrounding the case has caused significant distress. They have called for a transparent investigation and demanded that authorities provide definitive information regarding Sai Krishna’s condition. The family has also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, expressing concerns that critical evidence could be compromised during the investigation process.
Human Rights Complaint Reaches National Level
The controversy has expanded beyond the state after former Vijayawada Member of Parliament Kesineni Srinivas, popularly known as Nani, submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission.
In his communication, the former MP reportedly alleged that the case involved a custodial death and claimed that evidence may have been tampered with. He further argued that accountability should extend beyond local officers and include senior officials under the principle of command responsibility.
The complaint has added further pressure on authorities as public scrutiny of the investigation continues to increase.
Fresh Allegations Surface Against Suspended Officer
Meanwhile, Krishna Lanka Circle Inspector SSV Nagaraju has already been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry. Following his suspension, Murali Krishna has taken charge as the new Circle Inspector.
The case has become more contentious after several videos circulated on social media platforms. In these videos, individuals allegedly accused Nagaraju of subjecting them to physical abuse during previous encounters.
One video reportedly linked to Kranthi Kumar, who died by suicide last month, contained allegations of harassment against the suspended officer. Another individual, identified as Mahankali Chandu, claimed to have witnessed Sai Krishna being assaulted inside the police station.
Authorities have not publicly verified these allegations, and they remain part of the broader investigation.
Questions Raised Over Inquiry Structure
While the investigation moves forward, discussions have emerged within policing circles regarding the rank of the officer chosen to conduct the probe.
Some observers have questioned whether an officer of a higher rank, such as one above the level of Inspector General, should have been appointed given the seriousness of the allegations and the public attention surrounding the case.
As of now, Vijayawada police have not issued an official statement addressing the latest developments. The inquiry remains ongoing, with investigators expected to continue examining evidence and witness accounts in the coming days.