Court hears SIT custody plea, mother’s probe demand in Sai Krishna case

Vijayawada: The investigation into the controversial custodial death of rowdy-sheeter Gade Sai Krishna witnessed significant developments on Thursday, with separate court proceedings focusing on the role of arrested former CI Nagaraju and the demand for an independent judicial inquiry into the case.The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, approached the Vijayawada second additional chief metropolitan magistrate (ACM) court, seeking 12 days of police custody for former Krishnalanka CI Nagaraju, who is currently lodged in Rajahmundry central jail.During the hearing, Nagaraju’s counsel sought time to file a counter-petition opposing the custody request. Accepting the plea, the court adjourned further hearing on the SIT’s custody petition to June 30.In a parallel development, Sai Krishna’s mother, Gade Vijayalakshmi, intensified her fight for justice by filing a petition seeking a judicial inquiry into her son’s death. She argued that cases involving alleged custodial deaths should be investigated through an independent judicial probe rather than by a govt-appointed SIT.Appearing on her behalf, advocates raised several concerns before the court, including the alleged disappearance of CCTV footage from Krishnalanka police station and the Swargapuri area.

They also objected to the manner in which inquiries involving Nagaraju were conducted and questioned why several crucial details were not included in the remand report. The lawyers further argued that the report failed to clearly explain the circumstances surrounding Sai Krishna’s death.Taking note of the submissions, the court issued notices to the district-level CCTV committee, the Vijayawada police commissioner, the VMC commissioner and the district collector.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 29.Sai Krishna’s death sparked outrage after his family alleged that he was illegally detained, subjected to custodial torture and later died under suspicious circumstances, leading to widespread demands for accountability and an impartial investigation.