*Who is covering up Gangamma’s custodial death?*

Kurnool, July 24: YSRCP leaders demanded a complete and transparent investigation into the custodial death of Mala Gangamma, questioning who was suppressing the truth and why her family members had suddenly become unavailable. A party fact-finding committee visited Baddenahal village in Kowthalam mandal, Kurnool district, to examine the circumstances surrounding her death and speak with the affected family.

Former Minister Dr. Sake Sailajanath, MLC Madhusudan, YSRCP Legal Cell State President Manohar Reddy and district SC Cell President Venkatesh said the locked houses of Gangamma’s family members had deepened suspicions. Local residents informed the committee that the family had been present in the village until that morning, but their homes were locked by the time the delegation arrived. The leaders asked whose pressure had forced them to leave and why villagers appeared afraid to speak openly.

They said Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to life and dignity, including dignity after death. Gangamma had approached the police and later the High Court after her son went missing. A Special Investigation Team was subsequently constituted. The leaders demanded disclosure of everything that happened during the SIT inquiry and the circumstances that led to her death.

They said serious reports indicated that Gangamma was subjected to torture in the name of questioning and that her family was pressured to present a different version. Every such claim must be tested through records, witnesses and an independent investigation.

The committee said it would speak with villagers, police officials and the victim’s family, examine the available records and place the facts before the public. It declared that the truth could not be hidden indefinitely and that YSRCP would continue its fight until Gangamma’s family received justice and those responsible were held accountable.