HC Directs Police to File Counter in Sai Krishna Custodial Death Case in a Week

Vijayawada:The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed the police to file a counter affidavit within a week in a habeas corpus petition concerning the custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna.

A division bench comprising Justice Ravinath Tilhari and Justice Ch. Purushottama Kumar asked the police why the counter affidavit had not been filed for so long.

Vijayalakshmi had earlier filed the habeas corpus petition seeking a direction to the police to produce her son Sai Krishna before the court. His custodial death at Krishna Lanka police station was subsequently confirmed.

Vijayalakshmi later sought a CBI probe into her son’s custodial death. An interlocutory petition was subsequently filed seeking withdrawal of the plea, though the petitioner later continued with the case.

Petitioner's counsel K. Rithvika told the court that the SIT was probing Sai Krishna's custodial death but had not filed a counter affidavit. The court questioned the police over the delay.

Assistant government pleader J. Krishna Praneeth sought two weeks' time to file the counter affidavit. The court rejected the request and directed the police to file it within a week. The matter was adjourned to August 20.

Meanwhile, a bench headed by Chief Justice Lisa Gill adjourned the hearing on a PIL seeking transfer of the custodial death case to the CBI.

Special government pleader S. Pranithi informed the court that the SIT had arrested another police constable in connection with the case.