Andhra Pradesh High Court: Custodial Torture of MP is Attack on Parliament

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday made a significant observation while hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by IPS officer M. Sunil Kumar Naik, who is accused of involvement in the custodial torture of former MP and current Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju. Justice Y. Lakshman Rao remarked that attacking a Member of Parliament is no different from attacking the Parliament itself.

Justice Rao expressed serious concern over the allegations, stating that the court cannot treat the matter lightly. He questioned how an IPS officer could allegedly participate in the custodial torture of an elected representative. The judge noted that Naik, who was then serving as Deputy Inspector General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), should have exercised restraint and vigilance.

The court observed that Naik appeared to have a direct or indirect role in the incident. Justice Rao repeatedly asked when the officer would surrender, emphasizing that the gravity of the allegations warranted his cooperation with the investigation. The judge also remarked that anticipatory bail is not a shield for individuals facing severe accusations.

The case has been adjourned to June 19 for further submissions by the petitioner's counsel. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju served as a YSR Congress Party MP from Narsapuram between 2019 and 2024. During his tenure, charges were framed against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, though the details of those charges were not discussed in the current proceedings.

The High Court's observation underscores the principle that attacks on elected representatives strike at the heart of democratic institutions. The matter continues to be closely watched as legal proceedings unfold.