Sai Krishna Custodial Death: Mother Makes New Charges Over Magisterial Inquiry
Vijayalakshmi threatened that she would end her life if justice is denied.
Vijayawada: Gade Vijayalakshmi, mother of Sai Krishna, whose custodial death is under investigation, on Saturday alleged that her son had been subjected to severe torture while in police custody. She went on to accuse suspended circle inspector S.S.V.V. Nagaraju of being responsible for her son’s death. Speaking to reporters after appearing before the magisterial inquiry conducted by Vijayawada revenue divisional officer Vennela Srinu, Vijayalakshmi appealed to the authorities to hand over her son’s ashes to her. Vijayalakshmi threatened that she would end her life if justice is denied.
Pointing to the recent arrests in the custodial death case, Sai Krishna’s mother asked why action has not been taken against all those allegedly involved. Referring to the Special Investigation Team (SIT)'s seizure of a lathi with suspected stains, bones, and ash from the terrace of Krishnalanka police station, she observed that it cannot not be assumed that the seized material are part of her son’s remains. She alleged that there could have been other victims. It is learnt that Vijayalakshmi and her family members deposed before the RDO about the circumstances leading to Sai Krishna's custodial death. She alleged that despite her repeated requests for her son's release, the suspended officer had threatened her and made remarks indicating that her son would be killed.
NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha has ordered a magisterial inquiry under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission on receiving evidence and representations relating to custodial deaths. A delegation of YSRC leaders led by former minister Ambati Rambabu appeared before the RDO and submitted a memorandum listing their objections, concerns and demands. Ambati Rambabu thereafter demanded a judicial inquiry and a CBI investigation, stating that only an independent probe could ensure justice for the victim's family. He alleged that there is an attempt to portray suspended CI as the sole accused, while protecting others who are allegedly involved. He wanted the magisterial probe to seize CCTV footage, mobile phones’ data and other evidence related to the custodial death.
Members of the Human Rights Forum submitted a representation to the RDO contending that, under Section 196 of the BNSS, inquiries into custodial deaths should be conducted by a judicial magistrate.
On this ground, the Human Rights Forum and the Bezawada Bar Association said the RDO must drop his inquiry. Instead, a judicial magistrate should inquire into the custodial death.