Human rights panel pulls up Andhra Police over custodial death of 26-year-old

Published 26 June 2026 · india

The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the alleged custodial death of 26-year-old Sai Krishna in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, holding the state

The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the alleged custodial death of 26-year-old Sai Krishna in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, holding the state police prima facie accountable for what it described as a grave violation of the victim's right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Commission has issued a notice to the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) and the Vijayawada Police Commissioner, seeking a comprehensive Action Taken Report within one week. Read Full Story The NHRC's intervention follows a petition filed by rights lawyer Rama Rao Immaneni, which led to a detailed inquiry into the incident.

According to the Commission, preliminary findings by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) indicate suspected illegal detention and custodial torture that allegedly resulted in Sai Krishna's death. The Commission has also taken note of allegations that police personnel attempted to destroy evidence by cremating the victim's body and disposing of the ashes in a river. It further observed that CCTV footage from the Krishnalanka Police Station was allegedly deleted during crucial hours, raising concerns over possible evidence tampering. The NHRC has directed authorities to initiate efforts to recover the deleted footage as well as the victim's mortal remains.

NHRC TERMS IT A GROSS ABUSE OF POWER Calling the incident a "brutal assault" on the constitutional right to life and a violation of international human rights standards, the NHRC criticised what it termed a gross abuse of power by law enforcement authorities. Meanwhile, Krishnalanka Circle Inspector Nagaraju has been suspended and remanded to judicial custody after the SIT reportedly found evidence suggesting foul play in the case. The Commission has also sought details of the FIR registered in connection with the incident, the names of officers implicated, and steps taken to provide interim compensation to Sai Krishna's family.

The NHRC further directed the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure adequate security and protection for the victim's mother, Gade Vijayalakshmi, considering the sensitivity of the case. The custodial death has triggered widespread concern over police accountability in Andhra Pradesh, with the NHRC making it clear that the matter involves serious violations of constitutional safeguards and human rights. The Commission has asked the state police to submit a detailed status report within seven days. Ends