Vijayawada: The investigation into the disappearance of Vijayawada history-sheeter Gade Sai Krishna took a significant turn on Saturday, with police intensifying inquiries at the Krishnalanka Swargapuri electric crematorium and Krishnalanka police station.
Crematorium records under scrutiny
A team led by Patamata circle inspector Pawan Kishore inspected records at the crematorium following allegations that crucial evidence linked to the case may be found there. Investigators questioned 11 staff members and examined records relating to bodies cremated in May.
The team focused on unidentified bodies brought to the facility and the procedures followed during cremation. Officials found records showing that two unidentified bodies were brought to the crematorium at around 8pm on May 23, despite the facility generally not permitting cremations after 6pm.
Staff questioned, mobile phone seized
Staff members informed investigators that the bodies were stored overnight and cremated the following day. Records reportedly identified both deceased persons as being above 40 years old, with no entry relating to a 23-year-old man.
Police also questioned Basha, an employee responsible for conducting electric cremations. His mobile phone was seized as investigators sought to verify whether all procedures were documented and recorded.
Station records examined
Meanwhile, ACP Daiva Prasadam, appointed as a special officer in the case, conducted an inquiry at the Krishnalanka police station. He questioned two sub-inspectors, the station writer, and police personnel who were on duty when Sai Krishna was allegedly brought there. Investigators are also examining the role of other police personnel and reviewing available records as part of the probe.
Background of the case
The case has become one of the most sensitive investigations in Andhra Pradesh. According to allegations made by his family, Sai Krishna was taken into police custody on May 9 and has been missing ever since. His mother Gade Vijayalakshmi has alleged that her son was tortured while in custody and accused Krishnalanka CI Nagaraju of being responsible for his death. She further claimed that his body was secretly cremated at the Swargapuri electric crematorium.
As the allegations triggered widespread protests by opposition parties, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Sai Krishna’s mother and assured her that a fair and transparent probe would be conducted.
