Mother of Custodial Torture Victim Appeals for Son's Remains as Probe Continues

Gade Vijaya Lakshmi, mother of Gade Sai Krishna (25), who allegedly died due to custodial torture at Krishnalanka police station, has appealed to the police to hand over her son's mortal remains.

“My son was brutally tortured and killed by the police. I can perform the monthly rituals for my son if the police give me his mortal remains,” Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and NTR Police.

Alleging a slow investigation, she said the Krishnalanka police took the complaint regarding the custodial death 15 days ago but have taken no action so far. The culprits in the case are moving freely, she alleged.

When asked about rumours that she had received monetary benefits, Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi denied receiving any money. “I don’t want any benefits. I request the government to book the culprits and punish them. Many big people and top police officers are involved in my son’s killing. But only five have been arrested till date,” she said.

“I met many officers for justice. I was made to run around Krishnalanka police station and offices for the last two months, but nothing has been done so far,” she added.

Meanwhile, the family members of Gade Sai Krishna deposed before the magisterial inquiry at the Sub-Collector’s office on Saturday. NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the case.

Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi, along with her family, submitted details regarding the alleged wrongful confinement, torture, custodial death, and destruction of evidence to Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) V. Srinivas, who is the inquiry officer. They also provided related documents.

Human Rights Forum (HRF) State secretary G. Rohith submitted a representation demanding withdrawal of the magisterial inquiry, arguing that the victim died due to custodial torture. “The inquiry was illegal. Only a judicial magistrate should take up the inquiry into the alleged custodial torture and death of Sai Krishna,” Mr. Rohith said.

YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu, who appeared before the magisterial inquiry, submitted a representation urging that all culprits be booked and justice be rendered to the victim’s family.