A 30-year-old Dalit man from Kodad in Suryapet district has died under controversial circumstances, with his family alleging that he was tortured while in police custody. The victim, Karla Rajesh from Kallugadda Bazaar, had been suffering from health issues and had applied for financial assistance through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to meet hospital expenses.
According to his family, Rajesh recently found out that although ₹1 lakh had been sanctioned in his name, the cheque was allegedly taken and misused by a man identified as Chedapangu Naresh from Dondapadu. Disturbed that the relief fund did not reach him, Rajesh approached the police seeking justice.
Family members claim that instead of investigating his complaint, the Kodad Rural police — including the CI, Chilkur SI, ASI Venkateshwar Rao and Head Constable Venkateshwarlu — took Rajesh into custody. They allege that he was kept for four days and subjected to severe physical abuse.
Rajesh was later produced before a magistrate with visible injuries and was remanded to the Huzurnagar Sub-Jail. Jail authorities reportedly noticed that Rajesh was experiencing severe breathing problems and returned him to the police, stating that his health condition was worrying.
He was then shifted to the district hospital, where doctors advised immediate transfer to Hyderabad as his condition became critical. While being transported on the instructions of senior officials, Rajesh died on the way, according to the family.
His relatives have accused the police of causing his death by allegedly torturing him in custody. They also claim that senior officers, including the Kodad DSP, are trying to prevent the incident from coming to light. Human rights groups and Dalit organisations have demanded a thorough and impartial probe into the case.
Rajesh’s brother appealed for justice, saying Rajesh had gone to the police seeking help but instead lost his life. The incident has triggered strong reactions and renewed calls for accountability and action against custodial violence in Telangana.