Investigation – State Appoints Legal Advisor to Strengthen SIT Probe in Custodial Death Case
Investigation – The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed a senior prosecution official to provide legal assistance to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the alleged custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna in Vijayawada. The move is aimed at ensuring that the investigation proceeds within the framework of law while maintaining procedural fairness throughout the inquiry.
Government Issues Appointment Order
According to an official order issued by the Home Department through GO Rt No. 823 on Tuesday, Byra Rama Koteswara Rao, who is serving as the Director of Prosecutions, has been designated as the Legal Advisor to the SIT. The investigation relates to Crime No. 107/2026 registered at Krishna Lanka Police Station in Vijayawada following allegations surrounding the custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna.
The appointment comes after a proposal submitted by the Director General of Police based on the recommendation made by the head of the Special Investigation Team. The government said the decision was taken to provide dedicated legal support during the ongoing investigation.
Role in the Investigation
As Legal Advisor, Rao will assist the SIT on a wide range of legal and procedural matters connected with the case. His responsibilities include reviewing the evidence collected during the investigation, examining legal issues that arise during the probe, scrutinizing investigation reports before submission, and ensuring that every stage of the inquiry complies with applicable laws and established judicial principles.
Officials indicated that legal supervision at this stage is intended to help the investigating team maintain accuracy in documentation and strengthen the legal foundation of the case before any further proceedings.
Allegations Being Examined by SIT
The Special Investigation Team was constituted by the state government to independently examine serious allegations linked to the death of Gade Sai Krishna while he was allegedly in police custody. The inquiry covers accusations of illegal detention, custodial torture, murder, and destruction of evidence.
The allegations are directed against SSVV Nagaraju, who was serving as the Station House Officer of Krishna Lanka Police Station at the time of the incident. The SIT has been entrusted with gathering evidence, recording statements, and examining all available material to establish the sequence of events leading to the alleged custodial death.
Authorities have maintained that the investigation is being conducted under established legal procedures and that all findings will be based on evidence collected during the course of the inquiry.
Court Sends Two Accused to Judicial Custody
In a related development, a court in Vijayawada on Tuesday remanded two head constables, identified as Ashok and Nani, to judicial custody until July 14. Both are among the accused in connection with the Gade Sai Krishna custodial death case.
The remand forms part of the ongoing judicial process as investigators continue to examine the allegations and collect additional evidence. Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the progress of the investigation, stating that the probe remains active.
Investigation Continues
The appointment of an experienced legal advisor and the latest judicial proceedings mark significant procedural developments in the case. The SIT is expected to continue its investigation by reviewing evidence, questioning witnesses, and completing other legal formalities before submitting its findings to the appropriate authorities.
Government officials have reiterated that the investigation will be carried out in accordance with the law and that due process will be followed at every stage. Further action in the case will depend on the evidence gathered and the conclusions reached during the ongoing inquiry.