Dalit Youth’s Death in Custody: AP Mala Employees Association Seeks SIT Probe, Alleges Police Torture

GUNTUR – AP: Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu – Assistant Chief Editor: The Andhra Pradesh Mala Employees Association has demanded a comprehensive probe by a Special Investigation Team headed by a senior IPS officer unconnected to local police into the death of Cheekati Gopi, an SC youth from Ponnekallu village in Tadikonda mandal of Guntur district, who allegedly died after being tortured in police custody.

Family alleges two-day illegal custody and torture

According to the family and various people’s organizations, Gopi was taken by police for questioning in a theft case and allegedly kept in custody for about two days. The family alleges he was severely beaten and tortured, developed high fever, and was later handed over to them after taking signatures on some papers with instructions to take him to hospital.

He was first taken to Ponnekallu hospital and referred to Guntur Government Hospital. Due to junior doctors’ agitation, the family shifted him to Tenali, where doctors reportedly found loss of sensation from waist to legs. He was rushed back to Guntur where he died during treatment, the association said.

The association said photos showing injury marks and discolouration, particularly on the soles of his feet, exist, but they must be corroborated with postmortem report, inquest, hospital records and forensic examination. Attributing death only to dengue would sidestep what happened in custody, it said.

Demand for SC/ST Act case against police personnel

State Honorary President Bethala Sudarsanam, State President Nootalapati Jagadish and General Secretary Ambati Anil demanded that if allegations are proved, criminal cases including under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be registered against the concerned CI, SI and two constables on duty.

They sought preservation of CCTV footage, general diary, station registers, call records and postmortem video without destruction, citing conflict of interest if local police probe themselves.

Rehabilitation package sought for bereaved family

Noting that Gopi’s wife is Intermediate-educated and the couple has two small children, the association demanded immediate government job for the widow as per her qualifications, a permanent house, free residential education for children, agricultural land for livelihood and Rs.25 lakh additional ex-gratia besides statutory compensation.

The association said it has already complained to the National SC Commission and demanded protection for family members and witnesses.