In a significant development in the Suryapet custody death case, criminal charges have now been formally filed against the two police officials implicated in the incident. This move comes nearly three weeks after disciplinary action was taken against them.
Cases Filed, Details Emerge
The Suryapet district police have registered separate criminal cases against the suspended inspector, Pratap Lingaiah, and the transferred sub-inspector, Suresh Reddy. Although the cases were officially filed on December 22, 2025, this information was not made public until the past Friday.
The cases stem from two distinct complaints. The jail authorities initiated one case because the victim, K Rajesh, died while in judicial custody. Simultaneously, Rajesh's family filed a petition alleging severe violations, including torture during police custody and offences under the stringent Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A senior police officer from Suryapet district confirmed the registrations to the media, stating, "Since we received petitions, as per procedure cases were registered. It is during the investigation, it will be ascertained whether the allegations are true or not."
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
K Rajesh, who worked at a local petrol bunk, was initially taken into custody by the Chilkur police. He was being investigated for his alleged connection to a case involving the misappropriation of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. According to the police, the prime accused in that case had used Rajesh's bank account to illegally divert funds. Rajesh is alleged to have withdrawn the cash and handed it over to the main accused.
The situation turned grim between November 4 and 8, 2025. During this period, Rajesh was reportedly subjected to harassment by Inspector Pratap Lingaiah and Sub-Inspector Suresh Reddy of the Kodad police station.
After being placed in judicial remand, Rajesh's health deteriorated. Six days into the remand, he complained of breathing difficulties. Jail authorities immediately rushed him to a hospital, but he could not be saved and later died.
Protests and Police Action
Rajesh's death triggered immediate and strong protests from his family, who were supported by several social and Dalit organisations. The mounting pressure forced senior police officials to order a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
By mid-December 2025, the police department took its first internal disciplinary step. Inspector Pratap Lingaiah was placed under suspension, while Sub-Inspector Suresh Reddy was attached to the district headquarters, effectively removing him from active field duty. The formal registration of criminal cases by the Huzurnagar police a few days later marked the escalation of the legal proceedings against them.
The case has now entered the investigation phase, where the allegations of custody torture and caste-based atrocities will be thoroughly examined. The outcome is being closely watched by activists and the local community in Suryapet.
