*17 Dalit Youth deaths in Two Years: CBI probe must in Kranthi Kumar Case*

Vijayawada, June 23: Former Minister Ambati Rambabu and MLC Monditoka Arun Kumar demanded a CBI investigation into the death of Dalit youth Perupogu Kranthi Kumar, stating that justice cannot be delivered through a police-led probe. After visiting Kranthi Kumar’s family in Vijayawada along with YSRCP leaders Kakumanu Rajashekar, Diamond Babu and others, they alleged that police harassment had pushed him to take his own life and that the truth behind the case must be brought out through an independent investigation.

Arun Kumar said the death of Kranthi Kumar reflects the condition of Dalits under the coalition government. He stated that 17 Dalit youths have died in the last two years due to harassment and persecution, including 15 Madiga youths and two Mala youths. He criticized the government, the Home Minister and Dalit representatives in the ruling coalition for remaining silent despite repeated incidents. He said Kranthi Kumar recorded a selfie video naming the person responsible for his death, yet no meaningful action followed. He demanded that an SC/ST Atrocities case be registered, compensation of ₹1 crore and government land be provided to the family, and that the Chief Minister personally visit and support them.

Ambati Rambabu said Kranthi Kumar’s selfie video clearly revealed that he was facing repeated harassment from Krishnalanka CI Nagaraju and police personnel. He stated that Kranthi Kumar feared for his life and consumed poison because of continued intimidation. He questioned why the case was initially treated as a suspicious death despite the existence of direct video evidence.

Rambabu further said Kranthi Kumar’s father had revealed that rowdy-sheeters were being pressured into narcotics-related activities and that similar circumstances were linked to the Sai Krishna case. He stated that evidence had been destroyed before action was taken and demanded that both the Kranthi Kumar and Sai Krishna cases be handed over to the CBI. He asserted that only a CBI investigation can ensure justice for the victims and their families.