New Delhi, September 24: The Supreme Court has raised serious questions over the handling of the alleged custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna, expressing concern over the investigation conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Police.
The observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by YSRCP Tirupati MP Maddela Gurumoorthy, seeking an investigation into the alleged illegal detention, custodial killing and destruction of evidence in the case.
Court Questions Delay in FIR Registration
A three-judge bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Sandeep Mehta questioned the delay in registering the FIR despite a complaint being submitted to the Director General of Police.
The court also raised questions over the circumstances surrounding Sai Krishna’s disappearance after he was taken into police custody. According to the proceedings, the state has acknowledged that Sai Krishna was taken into police custody, but questions remain over what happened to him subsequently and the whereabouts of his body.
Concern Over Missing CCTV Footage
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the deletion or disappearance of CCTV footage from the police station.
During the hearing, questions were raised about how the CCTV cameras could have remained non-functional or why the relevant footage was no longer available. The bench also questioned the role of senior police officials in connection with the alleged destruction of evidence.
The issue of missing CCTV footage had previously figured prominently in the investigation. Earlier court records also referred to allegations concerning the disappearance of CCTV footage covering the relevant period.
Why Was Sai Krishna Not Produced Before Magistrate?
The bench also questioned why Sai Krishna was not produced before a magistrate after being taken into police custody.
The Supreme Court observed that the disappearance of a person while in police custody raises serious legal concerns. Earlier proceedings had recorded that Sai Krishna was allegedly taken into custody on May 6 and was never produced before a magistrate.
The Supreme Court had also dealt with the investigation earlier in July, when it considered the conditions governing the custodial interrogation of suspended inspector SSVV Nagaraju, one of the accused in the case.
Supreme Court Transfers Pending HC Proceedings
The Supreme Court has ordered that three petitions pending before the Andhra Pradesh High Court in connection with the matter be brought before it.
The apex court has also stayed further proceedings in the related High Court cases and decided to directly oversee the matter. The move comes amid questions regarding the investigation and the conduct of senior police officials.
Case Records to Be Submitted in Sealed Cover
The Supreme Court directed the Registrar General of the Andhra Pradesh High Court to submit the relevant case records in a sealed cover by September 30.
The bench has sought details of the proceedings and investigation before considering the next course of action. The court also issued notices to the respondents in the matter.
CBI’s Role May Be Considered
The plea also sought the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the matter.
The Supreme Court has added the CBI as a party in the connected proceedings, while indicating that the issue concerning its role in the investigation would be considered during the subsequent hearing.
Next Hearing on October 12
The Supreme Court has adjourned the matter to October 12, 2026.
The court is expected to examine the records and the information submitted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court before deciding on further directions in the case.
The case has attracted significant attention following allegations that Sai Krishna was taken into police custody, allegedly assaulted, and subsequently died. The Andhra Pradesh SIT has since filed a chargesheet detailing its findings regarding his alleged custodial death and the subsequent handling of his body.
