Custodial Death of Sai Krishna Sparks Outrage and Investigation in Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: The story so far: Gade Sai Krishna, a 25-year-old individual with an alleged criminal history, went missing after being taken into custody by the Krishnalanka police of the NTR Police Commissionerate in May. His disappearance raised significant concerns, leading to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Vijaya Lakshmi, in the High Court over three weeks later. This petition highlighted a troubling sequence of events that unfolded, resembling the plot of a crime thriller, and sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

The arrest of the Circle Inspector of the Krishnalanka police station on June 23, accused of torturing Sai Krishna to death and subsequently attempting to dispose of the body to eliminate evidence, has intensified scrutiny of police practices in the region. The formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, along with a political backlash, has cast a shadow over the credibility of the police and the state government.

How did Sai Krishna go missing after being taken into police custody?

The events leading to Sai Krishna's disappearance began when a team from the Krishnalanka police station, accompanied by personnel from the NTR district Task Force, apprehended him from Markapuram. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Krishnalanka police station, where Circle Inspector S.S.V.V. Nagaraju allegedly subjected him to brutal torture over a period of several days. This treatment was purportedly in the context of questioning Sai Krishna about previous cases linked to him.

During this time, Sai Krishna's mother, Vijaya Lakshmi, made numerous attempts to visit the police station to see her son, but she was consistently denied access. Her desperation culminated in a habeas corpus petition filed on June 2, which prompted the High Court to order the police to produce Sai Krishna by June 15. However, when the police failed to comply, the court issued a further directive for Sai Krishna to be presented in court by June 29.

Why did the case become a political flashpoint?

The case, which the police initially seemed to manage discreetly, gained significant political traction when the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) began to vocalize its concerns. They rallied in support of Vijaya Lakshmi, criticizing the police and the NDA government for their handling of the situation. The YSRCP claimed that the implementation of the so-called 'Red Book' Constitution by IT Minister Nara Lokesh had led to a climate of lawlessness, police brutality, and poor governance in Andhra Pradesh.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who leads the YSRCP, personally visited Vijaya Lakshmi at her residence in Vijayawada to offer condolences and support. He demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged custodial torture and the subsequent disposal of Sai Krishna's body. Reddy criticized the suspension of the Circle Inspector as insufficient and directed his criticism toward the Commissioner of Police, S.V. Rajasekhara Babu, and the Director General of Police (DGP), Harish Kumar Gupta, accusing them of shielding the accused officer.

How did the Andhra government respond to the allegations?

In response to the escalating political pressure and public outcry, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended an invitation to Vijaya Lakshmi to meet him at his Undavalli camp office. During this meeting, he assured her of a thorough and impartial investigation into her son's alleged custodial death and promised accountability for any police officials found guilty. Following her meeting with the Chief Minister, Vijaya Lakshmi expressed a degree of satisfaction with the government's response and requested that political parties refrain from further politicizing the issue, which temporarily alleviated some pressure on the government.

What action has been taken against the police officials?

Subsequent to the mounting evidence and public outcry, police registered a case of murder and illegal confinement against Inspector Nagaraju, who initially went into hiding following the allegations. The state government established an SIT, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) M. Ravi Prakash, with Superintendents of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi and Amit Bardar, as well as Additional SP L. Sudhakar, as team members. The SIT promptly initiated an investigation, visiting the police station and gathering evidence, while also recording statements from police personnel and other officials involved.

Four days after the case was registered, special teams successfully located the absconding police official in Ajit Singh Nagar, Vijayawada. His arrest sparked protests from local residents and supporters, who claimed that he had performed his duties with sincerity and was being unfairly targeted.

What has the SIT investigation revealed so far?

The ongoing SIT investigation into the custodial death has uncovered alarming details. Reports indicate that the Krishnalanka police attempted to fabricate a narrative suggesting that Sai Krishna had escaped from custody and fled to Goa. To support this claim, they allegedly handed Sai Krishna's mobile phone to a gym trainer and dispatched him to Goa. Furthermore, the investigation revealed attempts to tamper with CCTV footage, which could have provided crucial evidence regarding Sai Krishna's treatment while in custody.

In addition to these findings, employees at a nearby crematorium were questioned regarding any unknown or unidentified bodies that may have been disposed of by the police or other individuals. The SIT also arrested a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) who had treated Sai Krishna for severe injuries during his alleged confinement. Reports indicated that Sai Krishna was taken to a hospital by the Krishnalanka police; however, his condition did not improve despite receiving medical care.

What’s the twist in the tale?

Amidst the ongoing investigation and the lack of clarity surrounding Sai Krishna's fate, a surprising twist emerged when Vijaya Lakshmi filed a motion on July 14 to withdraw her habeas corpus petition. The court expressed serious concerns regarding this withdrawal, noting several inconsistencies in her plea. As a result, the High Court sought an explanation for her decision to withdraw the petition, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Sai Krishna's disappearance and the actions of the police.

This case not only highlights the potential for abuse of power within law enforcement but also raises critical questions about the accountability mechanisms in place for police actions in Andhra Pradesh. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate tragedy of Sai Krishna's alleged custodial death, as it underscores the urgent need for reform in policing practices and the protection of citizens' rights in the region. As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the public and political entities remain fixed on the developments, with calls for justice and transparency echoing throughout the state.