Police in Andhra Pradesh have denied assault allegations surrounding the September 1 death of 30‑year‑old Chikati Gopi, and the investigation remains ongoing.
- The police have denied assault allegations on the deceased.
- Gopi was summoned to Tadikonda police station on June 25 and released the next day.
- The investigation is ongoing with no CCTV evidence of physical assault.
Police in Guntur district’s Tadikonda mandal have publicly rejected claims that 30‑year‑old Chikati Gopi was assaulted while in police custody. Gopi was called to the station on June 25 in connection with a theft case and was released the following day.
What happened?
After his release, Gopi developed a fever. His wife, Jyothi, took him to the Ponnekallu government hospital, after which doctors transferred him to Guntur Government Hospital and later to Tenali Government Hospital for further care. He remained in Tenali until August 31, then returned to Guntur, where doctors declared him dead on September 1 after he complained of chest pain.
Investigation underway
Following Jyothi’s written complaint, police registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). CCTV footage from the Tadikonda police station was reviewed, and no evidence of physical assault was found. To ensure impartiality, Medikonduru Inspector M. Madhusudana Rao was appointed as the investigating officer. The inquest and post‑mortem have been completed, and the body handed over to relatives.
Historical Background
In recent years, Andhra Pradesh has seen several high‑profile deaths of individuals while in police custody, prompting public outcry and demands for greater transparency. These incidents have strained police‑public relations and highlighted the need for rigorous oversight.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that allegations of police‑related deaths erode community trust and underscore the importance of transparent investigations to prevent future misconduct.
This incident raises serious questions about police accountability and the integrity of the justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Gopi die?
- How did the police respond to the assault allegations?