Supreme Court questions Andhra Pradesh police over custody of suspect Sai Krishna

The Supreme Court of India has initiated suo moto proceedings against Andhra Pradesh police following concerns about the custody and non-production of a suspect identified as Sai Krishna in what appears to be a serious procedural lapse.

A three-judge bench has issued directions to the state police to submit detailed records and explanations in sealed cover regarding the circumstances that led to the suspect never being produced before any court. The bench has also sought clarification on the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) in the case and the disappearance of CCTV footage from the Krishnalanka police station in Vijayawada.

The Supreme Court's intervention comes as related petitions remain pending before the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The apex court has indicated it will take further action if necessary once the High Court disposes of the pending matters, signalling its willingness to step in should procedural irregularities be substantiated.

The case raises significant questions about adherence to legal procedures governing custody and the production of suspects, a matter of constitutional importance. Police are required under law to produce arrested persons before a magistrate within 24 hours, and the destruction or loss of evidence such as CCTV footage constitutes a serious breach of investigation protocol.

The court's direction for sealed-cover submission suggests the sensitive nature of the matter and the need for confidentiality during the preliminary examination of the records provided by the state authorities.