The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern regarding the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old man named Sai Krishna in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The NHRC is holding the state police preliminarily accountable for what it labels a severe infringement of the victim’s right to life, as outlined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Following these developments, the Commission has formally requested a comprehensive report from both the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police and the Police Commissioner of Vijayawada within a week.

The NHRC’s involvement was initiated by a petition submitted by rights lawyer Rama Rao Immaneni, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sai Krishna’s death. Initial findings from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reveal allegations of unlawful detention and custodial abuse that reportedly led to the man’s demise.

Further alarming claims have come to light, suggesting that police officials attempted to erase evidence by cremating the victim’s body and discarding the ashes into a river. Additionally, it was reported that CCTV footage from the Krishnalanka Police Station was deleted during critical hours, raising suspicions of tampering with potential evidence. The NHRC has directed authorities to take steps to recover the deleted footage and the remains of the deceased.

Allegations of Police Misconduct and Administrative Actions

The NHRC condemned the incident as a “brutal assault” on the constitutional right to life, alongside international human rights standards, labelling it a significant abuse of power by law enforcement. In light of the findings, Krishnalanka Circle Inspector Nagaraju has been suspended and taken into judicial custody after evidence suggesting foul play was unearthed by the SIT.

Moreover, the Commission has requested information regarding the First Information Report (FIR) related to the case, including the names of the officers involved and the measures taken to immediately compensate Sai Krishna’s family. These developments have escalated concerns regarding police accountability and transparency in Andhra Pradesh.

The NHRC has been adamant that the seriousness of this incident requires prompt action, demanding a detailed status report from the state police within seven days. This incident has sparked a broader dialogue about the imperative of upholding constitutional safeguards and protecting human rights within the state’s law enforcement agencies.

Security Measures for Victim’s Family

In response to the heightened sensitivity surrounding the case, the NHRC has instructed the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure the safety and security of the victim’s mother, Gade Vijayalakshmi. This directive highlights the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals affected by police actions.

The custodial death of Sai Krishna has generated significant public discourse concerning police practices in Andhra Pradesh. As the NHRC continues to advocate for accountability, it remains vital that the inquiry leads to meaningful reforms in policing and the protection of human rights.

Overall, this incident poses substantial questions regarding the role and conduct of law enforcement in the state, marking a critical moment for the evaluation and reassessment of police practices and procedures in India.

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