Sai Krishna Custodial Death: SIT Flags Illegal Detention, Missing CCTV

The alleged custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna has emerged as one of the most sensitive law-and-order controversies in Andhra Pradesh , with fresh findings by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) raising serious concerns over police conduct, custodial violence and possible destruction of evidence. The probe has not only led to the arrest of a senior police officer but has also triggered political outrage and renewed debate over accountability within the state's police force.

Former Krishnalanka Circle Inspector S.S.V.V. Nagaraju , identified as the prime accused, has been arrested and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody . According to the SIT, preliminary evidence points to illegal detention , custodial assault and attempts to suppress crucial evidence. Investigators have invoked charges including murder, wrongful confinement and destruction of evidence , while examining whether additional police personnel were involved.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Sai Krishna's mother, Gade Vijayalakshmi , who alleged that her son was illegally detained at Krishnalanka Police Station after being brought from Markapuram in connection with pending non-bailable warrants . She claimed that when she visited the police station, Nagaraju allegedly threatened her, saying her son would be killed and that she should prepare to garland his photograph. Despite repeatedly requesting his release, she alleged she was abused and turned away.

According to the SIT's remand report, Sai Krishna was not produced before a magistrate as required under law but was instead kept in unauthorised police custody . Investigators believe he may have suffered serious injuries while in custody , which could have resulted in his death.

Vijayalakshmi told investigators that when she briefly saw her son inside the lock-up, he had multiple injuries , his legs were allegedly tied and he was crying in pain. She further alleged that police refused to allow her to meet him properly or disclose his condition. The SIT has also recorded statements that lawyers accompanying the family were denied entry to the police station and were allegedly threatened by police personnel.

Another key aspect of the investigation relates to proceedings before the Andhra Pradesh High Court . After Vijayalakshmi filed a habeas corpus petition , police reportedly informed the court that Sai Krishna's whereabouts were unknown. However, the SIT says evidence suggests he had already been brought to Vijayawada and was being held at the police station during that period, raising questions over whether the court was provided misleading information .

Investigators have also flagged the disappearance of CCTV footage from Krishnalanka Police Station covering the period between May 1 and June 1 . The missing surveillance recordings are considered a crucial gap in the investigation, as they could have established Sai Krishna's movements inside the station and identified officers present during his detention.

The SIT further informed the court that Nagaraju has not been cooperating fully during questioning and has allegedly avoided giving clear answers. Investigators have sought continued custodial interrogation to establish the complete sequence of events, determine the whereabouts of Sai Krishna's remains and identify others who may have participated in or helped conceal the alleged crime.

The case has now become a major political flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh, with opposition parties demanding an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible. It has also revived the national debate over custodial deaths , police reforms and compliance with the Supreme Court's D.K. Basu guidelines , which mandate safeguards during arrests and detention. With the SIT investigation still in progress and judicial scrutiny continuing, officials believe more significant revelations could emerge in the coming weeks.