Andhra Pradesh government forms SIT to probe Sai Krishna disappearance case

Vijayawada: In a major development in the controversial Sai Krishna disappearance case, the Andhra Pradesh govt has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a fair, transparent, and impartial probe into allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture, murder, and destruction of evidence.The decision comes amid growing public attention and demand for an independent investigation into the case involving former Krishnalanka circle inspector Nagaraju and other police personnel. To ensure neutrality in the probe, the govt has appointed senior police officers from outside the NTR district police commissionerate, where the alleged incidents occurred.Acting on a proposal submitted by the director-general of police (DGP), chief secretary K Sai Prasad issued orders constituting the SIT.

The team will be headed by IG (law and order) M Ravi Prakash. West Godavari superintendent of police Adnan Nayeem Asmi, ASR district SP Amit Bardar and Bapatla additional SP L Sudhakar have been appointed as members of the team.The govt has granted the SIT full authority to seek additional manpower, forensic assistance, technical expertise and other resources required for the probe. All departments, forensic institutions, and govt agencies have been directed to cooperate with the investigation.

Meanwhile, inquiry teams have intensified their examination of personnel attached to the Krishnalanka police station and the task force unit. Statements of police officials and other witnesses are being recorded through the Centre’s e-Sakshya digital evidence platform to ensure transparency and prevent any allegations of tampering.According to allegations made by Sai Krishna’s family, he was taken into police custody on May 9 and has been missing ever since. His mother Gade Vijayalakshmi has alleged that he was illegally detained and tortured by police personnel, and that his body was secretly cremated to destroy evidence. The SIT is expected to investigate the case from all angles and submit its findings at the earliest.