The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has demanded the Andhra Pradesh government order an immediate judicial inquiry into the disappearance of Gade Sai Krishna, a resident of Krishna district, alleging serious concerns over police conduct and accountability.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CPM Andhra Pradesh State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said: “Sai Krishna was reportedly brought to Vijayawada from Markapur by the Krishna Lanka police personnel last month and has not been seen since. Despite complaints lodged by Sai Krishna’s mother regarding her son’s disappearance, the police initially failed to respond adequately, forcing her to approach the High Court.”

The CPM leader said that the explanations by the police and action taken by the government against the officials concerned had given rise to several doubts. Referring to the allegations made by Sai Krishna’s mother that her son may have died in police custody, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that the suspension of a Circle Inspector and a departmental inquiry ordered raises doubts.

He argued an internal departmental probe would be insufficient to uncover the full facts of the case, and called for a judicial inquiry without delay.

The CPM leader further stated that if criminal cases had been registered against Sai Krishna, the police should have followed the due due legal process.

“If those entrusted with enforcing the law take it into their own hands, and custodial deaths occur, it poses a grave threat to the safety and rights of citizens,” the statement said.