4 years after son’s death, Mandapeta woman renews justice demand

Vijayawada: Four years after the death of Mandapeta youth Pragada Sri Krishna Bhagavan, his family has renewed its demand for justice, alleging that police harassment and custodial torture over a love affair drove the young man to take his own life.Addressing the media on Tuesday, family members recalled the events that unfolded in March 2022 and accused police officials of subjecting Bhagavan to severe physical and mental torture for two days before his death. They alleged that he was targeted in connection with a love-related issue and was repeatedly harassed by police officers and others involved in the case.Bhagavan, a native of Mandapeta who was working in Hyderabad, was taken for questioning and reportedly subjected to intense pressure and torture.

Unable to bear the humiliation and harassment, he later died by hanging.The emotional appeal came from Bhagavan’s mother, Pragada Kumari, who said she has been fighting for justice for the last four years. Holding back tears, she questioned why those responsible for the alleged harassment have not faced any action since her son’s death.“My son cannot be brought back. All I want is justice and accountability for what happened to him,” she said, while alleging that despite repeatedly approaching authorities, the family did not receive a fair investigation.

She further claimed that attempts were made to pressurise the family into withdrawing their complaints and accepting compromises.Venkatesh, Bhagavan’s brother, alleged that several people who supported the family’s protests were also targeted with false cases. The family maintained that their struggle was not politically motivated but was aimed solely at securing justice for the deceased youth. Alleging that the then YSRCP govt failed to ensure an impartial inquiry into the incident, the family appealed to chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to reopen the case, conduct a fresh investigation, and take action against the police officials involved in the events leading to Bhagavan’s death.