High Court orders recording of key witness statement in Gangamma death case

Vijayawada: A case that began with the death of a young man in mysterious circumstances in Kurnool district and later spiraled into allegations of custodial torture and abuse of power took a dramatic turn on Friday, with the Andhra Pradesh high court issuing crucial directions aimed at preserving key evidence.Hearing a petition seeking a CBI investigation into the death of Mala Gangamma, who allegedly died due to torture during an investigation, a division bench comprising chief justice Lisa Gill and Justice N Jayasurya directed authorities to immediately record the statement of Begari Dargappa, a key accused and witness in the case.The court ordered that if Dargappa has already been discharged from hospital, police must produce him before a judicial magistrate without delay.

If he is still undergoing treatment at a government hospital, the magistrate has been instructed to personally visit the hospital, record his statement and place it before the court. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 23.The case has its roots in Badinehal village of Kurnool district. Gangamma’s son, Mala Veerendra, went missing after leaving for agricultural work in 2024. Claiming that police were failing to properly investigate the disappearance, Gangamma approached the High Court in 2025 seeking intervention.

Acting on her plea, the court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a DSP-rank officer.However, the case took a controversial turn after the SIT reportedly concluded that Gangamma herself, along with Begari Dargappa, was involved in Veerendra’s death and registered a criminal case against them.Subsequently, social activist Kasukurthi Agaman Raj filed a public interest litigation alleging that Gangamma died as a result of custodial torture carried out by the SIT in the name of investigation.

The PIL sought an independent CBI probe into the circumstances surrounding her death.During hearing, concerns were raised about Dargappa’s safety and his importance as a witness. Government counsel informed the court that Dargappa had been admitted to hospital due to health complications but was recovering and likely to be discharged soon.With allegations of custodial torture, a disputed SIT investigation and demands for a CBI inquiry, the case has emerged as one of the most closely watched human rights controversies in Andhra Pradesh.