New developments have emerged in the high-profile custodial death case of Gade Saikrishna with investigators uncovering crucial material evidence that could significantly impact the probe. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) recently recovered a stick bearing suspicious stains, along with bones, ash, a steel bracelet, and other items from the terrace of the Krishnalanka police station. The items were seized and presented before a judicial officer, in whose presence they were sealed and sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination.
According to SIT officials, there is a strong possibility that the recovered materials belong to Saikrishna, who died in police custody in May 2026. These findings were also mentioned in the custody petition filed against Circle Inspector (CI) Nagaraju.
However, several critical questions remain unanswered. Investigators are yet to determine how these items ended up on the police station’s terrace. Forensic and Clues teams conducted a thorough inspection of the premises, collecting blood samples from lock-up rooms and walls as part of the investigation.
The presence of bones and ashes at the station has raised further suspicion, particularly since Saikrishna’s body had already been cremated. Authorities are now probing why these remains were allegedly brought back and stored at the station.
In its remand report, the SIT reiterated that Saikrishna died due to injuries sustained while in custody. With uncertainties still surrounding the handling of the body, the newly recovered evidence is being treated as a critical breakthrough.
To establish the identity of the remains, officials plan to conduct DNA testing. Subject to court approval, a sample will be collected from Saikrishna’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, and compared with the recovered bones and ash. Investigators believe the results could be key to unraveling the circumstances of his death.
Meanwhile, CI Nagaraju, currently lodged in judicial remand at the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison, was scheduled to be interrogated by SIT officials. However, the questioning did not take place on the first day, as the SIT has approached the High Court seeking permission to conduct the interrogation in Vijayawada instead.
In a plea submitted to the court via prison authorities, Nagaraju maintained his innocence. He alleged that the SIT was attempting to falsely implicate him and coerce a confession through intimidation. He further stated that he had already disclosed all relevant information during earlier interrogations and opposed further custody, requesting that any additional questioning be conducted in the presence of his legal counsel and at a neutral location.
The case continues to unfold as investigators await forensic and legal developments that could shed more light on the controversial custodial death.
Also read: Andhra emerges as India’s critical & rare earth mineral hub
Follow us
