The high-profile custodial death case of Gade Sai Krishna in Vijayawada, which has triggered widespread public outrage in Andhra Pradesh, took a new turn on Wednesday, with suspended and arrested Circle Inspector S S V S Nagaraju claiming that he was innocent.
Appearing before a magistrate through video conferencing, Nagaraju alleged that he was being pressured to accept responsibility for the case and was being falsely implicated.
He claimed that attempts were being made to portray him as an accused despite his innocence.
Nagaraju told the judge that he had fully cooperated with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) during the investigation and had already shared all the information available to him.
The suspended officer further stated that he had no additional information to provide beyond what he had already disclosed during the SIT inquiry. He alleged that the authorities were nevertheless trying to force him to admit guilt.
Nagaraju also expressed concern for his personal safety while in police custody. Informing the court that his life was under threat, he sought judicial intervention to ensure his protection.
Taking serious note of his allegations, the judge directed the police to place Nagaraju's objections and complaints on record by submitting them in writing before the court.
Meanwhile, the SIT has intensified its investigation into Sai Krishna's custodial death. Investigators have already approached the court seeking 12 days of custodial interrogation of Nagaraju to facilitate further investigation.
The court's decision on the custody petition is now keenly awaited, as it is expected to have a significant impact on the course of the investigation.
