Brief
Andhra High Court orders CBI probe into Gade Sai Krishna’s custodial death
The court said the state police cannot conduct an impartial inquiry and ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation for the victim’s mother.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Vijayawada – On Friday, the Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna, directing the state government to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation to his mother, Vijayalakshmi, within four weeks.
What happened
The bench, comprising Justices Ravinath Tilhari and Alapati Giridhar, issued an 89‑page judgment after hearing a petition filed by Vijayalakshmi seeking an independent investigation. The court found that Sai Krishna was taken to Krishna Lanka police station by the Vijayawada Commissioner’s Task Force around 7 a.m. on 6 May 2026, illegally detained, subjected to torture, and died in custody. His body has not been recovered.
What the reports add
The judgment noted oral, documentary, digital and forensic evidence of visible injuries, and a medical examination on 8 May that recorded multiple injuries and the victim’s claim of police assault. The court also highlighted missing CCTV footage and alleged replacement of hard‑disk data during the detention period.
What was said
The High Court observed that the material placed before it prima facie established illegal detention and custodial torture, and that the victims have a fundamental right to an impartial investigation. It rejected the argument that a previous chargesheet or Special Investigation Team barred a CBI probe.
How it came about
Vijayalakshmi first approached the High Court on 2 June 2026 through a habeas corpus petition after losing contact with her son. She filed a supplementary petition on 25 June seeking a CBI probe. The court reserved its judgment on 22 September before delivering the order on 17 October.
Key facts
- The Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered a CBI investigation into Sai Krishna's death. (newindianexpress.com)
- The court directed the state government to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation to his mother. (newindianexpress.com)
- Sai Krishna was taken to Krishna Lanka police station on 6 May 2026 and died in custody. (newindianexpress.com)
- The court noted missing CCTV footage and alleged hard‑disk replacement. (newindianexpress.com)
- Vijayalakshmi filed a habeas corpus petition on 2 June 2026 and a supplementary petition on 25 June. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Andhra HC orders CBI probe into Sai Krishna’s death”
