Nellore Police Deny Custodial Death Allegations, Order Comprehensive Probe

A fresh controversy over an alleged custodial death has emerged in Andhra Pradesh , intensifying scrutiny of police procedures just days after another high-profile lock-up death case in the state. The death of a man who was earlier detained in connection with a theft and chain-snatching investigation has prompted serious allegations from his family, who claim he died due to police torture. However, Nellore Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Ajitha Vejendla has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that available evidence does not indicate the victim was in police custody at the time of his death. She has also ordered a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the incident.

The deceased, Yedukondalu , a resident of Cherukumudi village in SPSR Nellore district , was among three suspects questioned in connection with a theft case registered on July 8 . According to police, the trio was released on July 12 after being served notices under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) , which allows police to issue notices instead of making an arrest in appropriate cases.

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Ajitha Vejendla said CCTV footage showed Yedukondalu , along with Riyaz and Prasad , walking along National Highway-16 on the night of their release. Additional surveillance footage reportedly captured Yedukondalu near a liquor outlet in Podalakur during the early hours of July 13 . She added that CCTV recordings from Manubolu Police Station had also been examined by senior officers, confirming that the deceased had not been in police custody for nearly two days before his death.

The controversy began after Yedukondalu was taken to the Government Hospital in Gudur on July 14 , where doctors declared him dead. His family alleged that he had been subjected to custodial assault and harassment, holding the police responsible for his death and demanding a fair investigation.

The SP said the post-mortem examination would be crucial in establishing the exact cause of death. She stressed that investigators would examine all possible angles, including allegations of custodial violence, abetment, medical causes, or any other circumstances, before arriving at a conclusion. She assured that the investigation would be conducted with complete transparency and that all allegations made by the family would be thoroughly examined.

While rejecting the custodial death claim, Dr. Ajitha Vejendla acknowledged procedural lapses in the handling of the case by local police personnel. She said disciplinary action had been initiated against officials at Manubolu Police Station for failing to promptly inform senior officers about the suspects' release and subsequent developments. Police also stated that the investigation had led to the recovery of more than 20 stolen agricultural motors , allegedly linked to the suspects. The final findings are expected after the post-mortem report , forensic analysis and the departmental inquiry are completed.