Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the custodial death case of Gade Sai Krishna, a 25-year-old man from Vijayawada. The court has also directed the state government to pay Rs 25 lakh in compensation to his mother, Gade Vijayalakshmi, within four weeks.
The High Court’s decision is significant as questions have been raised about the investigation conducted by the state police and the role of senior police officials in the case.
Gade Sai Krishna Custodial Death Case: What Happened?
Gade Sai Krishna was allegedly taken into police custody in May 2026. His family later raised concerns after his whereabouts became unknown.
Following the incident, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. According to the SIT chargesheet, Sai Krishna died on the night of May 12 due to alleged torture by police personnel.
The case triggered concerns about police accountability and the need for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Why Did the High Court Order a CBI Investigation?
The Andhra Pradesh High Court heard petitions seeking an independent investigation into Sai Krishna’s custodial death.
Although the state government had formed an SIT, objections were raised over whether the investigation had adequately examined the possible involvement of senior police officers.
Questions were also raised about why the name of the concerned Police Commissioner was not included in the SIT chargesheet. These concerns added to the demand for a more independent and comprehensive investigation.
Considering these issues, the High Court directed the CBI to take over the case and investigate the circumstances surrounding Sai Krishna’s death.
CBI to Examine Evidence and Police Records
The CBI is expected to examine the available evidence and relevant records to establish what happened between Sai Krishna’s alleged detention and his death.
The investigation is expected to cover several key aspects, including:
- The existing evidence and First Information Report (FIR).
- Statements recorded from the accused.
- Police station records relating to the case.
- The circumstances surrounding the unavailability of CCTV footage.
- The whereabouts of Sai Krishna’s body.
- The possible role of police personnel and senior officials.
The central agency’s investigation is expected to focus on unanswered questions and examine whether all relevant aspects were covered during the earlier investigation.
Rs 25 Lakh Compensation for Sai Krishna’s Mother
In another significant direction, the High Court ordered the Andhra Pradesh government to pay Rs 25 lakh in compensation to Gade Vijayalakshmi, Sai Krishna’s mother, within four weeks.
The compensation order provides financial relief to the bereaved family, while the CBI investigation is expected to examine accountability and the circumstances that led to the alleged custodial death.
What Happens Next in the Gade Sai Krishna Case?
The transfer of the case to the CBI marks an important development in the investigation. The agency will need to examine the available records, verify the evidence and investigate the concerns raised about the earlier SIT probe.
The investigation could help clarify the sequence of events, the alleged role of police personnel and the circumstances surrounding the missing CCTV footage and Sai Krishna’s body.
The case has once again brought attention to police accountability, custodial safety and the importance of independent investigations when serious allegations are made against law enforcement personnel.
