Kurnool Custodial Torture: High Court Orders Crucial Statement from Dargappa
The AP High Court has intervened in a suspected custodial death case in Kurnool, ordering an official statement from survivor Byara Dargappa. The case involves allegations of severe police brutality and procedural irregularities, with judicial scrutiny mounting over the actions of the investigation team.
Highlights
- •The AP High Court has ordered the recording of Byara Dargappa's statement regarding alleged custodial torture.
- •Mala Gangamma died on May 31 after being taken into custody by a special investigation team in Kurnool.
- •The court has demanded a detailed report by June 23 following a PIL filed by K Agaman Raj.
- •Police are under intense scrutiny over procedural lapses including the absence of a post-mortem for Gangamma.
Tension is mounting among police officials in Kurnool district following urgent directives from the Andhra Pradesh High Court concerning the alleged custodial death of Mala Gangamma. Law enforcement authorities are increasingly concerned that the legal fallout could mirror the complications observed in the high-profile Sai Krishna lock-up death case in Vijayawada.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court, which is currently reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted by K Agaman Raj, issued a stern order this Saturday. The court has mandated that authorities officially document the statement of Byara Dargappa. Dargappa is presently receiving medical care following claims that he was subjected to intense physical abuse while in police custody. The judicial bench has demanded a comprehensive status report on the matter by June 23.
Judicial Scrutiny on Custodial Torture Allegations
The victim, Mala Gangamma, a resident of Badinehal village in Kowthalam mandal, passed away on May 31. She had been detained by a special investigation team as part of an inquiry into a missing person's case. The petitioner has formally alleged that both Gangamma and Dargappa were victims of severe custodial torture during the interrogation process. These serious accusations have cast a significant shadow over the established policing standards under the current state administration.
Concerns within the force are rising regarding potential procedural failures. Among the most damaging claims being investigated are reports that Gangamma’s daughter was pressured into declaring that her mother died due to a fall. Additionally, investigators are looking into the absence of a formal post-mortem examination and the expedited manner in which the final rites were completed.
Currently, Dargappa is undergoing treatment at the Kurnool Government General Hospital (GGH). He has been moved to a specialized ward under heavy security protocols, with access strictly restricted. Efforts to shield him from external scrutiny have intensified. With Dargappa’s physical condition remaining critical, his impending testimony is widely considered the defining factor in this high-profile custodial torture investigation.
Police leadership has reportedly engaged in extensive internal deliberations regarding the High Court order. If the allegations of brutality are proven, the personnel involved in the special investigation team could face severe legal consequences. The operational conduct of the Kowthalam police is now under direct judicial observation, and the coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this sensitive investigation.
