- Andhra Pradesh government suspended Circle Inspector Nagaraju over Sai Krishna disappearance
- Chief Minister Naidu ordered independent IPS officer inquiry into alleged custodial torture
- Sai Krishna went missing May 9 after police custody; family alleges torture and secret cremation
The Andhra Pradesh government has suspended a Circle Inspector and ordered an independent inquiry into the disappearance of 25-year-old Gade Sai Krishna from Vijayawada, amid allegations of custodial torture and a police cover-up.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reviewed the case with senior police officials at the Secretariat. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was also present. The meeting was held soon after Naidu returned from his Singapore tour, where officials, including DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, briefed the leadership on the developments.
Following the meeting, the Chief Minister ordered the suspension of Krishnalanka CI Nagaraju. He also directed that the matter be investigated by a senior IPS officer and stressed that the inquiry must be fair and independent. Pawan Kalyan also called for strict action against those found responsible.
Reddy visited Sai Krishna's family and described the case as "most heart-rending incidents." He also linked it to another case in which a man allegedly died by suicide in May after accusing Inspector Nagaraju of harassment in a video message.
"Suspending the CI alone is not enough. Everyone responsible, including senior officials, must be held accountable," he said.
Reddy demanded a CBI investigation, saying only an independent agency could bring out the truth. He also alleged that attempts were being made to portray Sai Krishna as a criminal after his disappearance and assured support to the family in their fight for justice.
YSRCP leaders have also termed the IPS-led inquiry an "eyewash" and accused the government of trying to shield higher officials.
(With inputs from agencies)
