Man arrested in theft case dies in ‘police custody’ in Nellore district

A man arrested in a theft case on July 8, 2026, reportedly died while in police custody in Nellore district on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Yedukondalu, a native of Cherukumudi village in Manubolu mandal of the district. His family members and relatives alleged that he died due to ‘third-degree torture’ for three days while in custody at Manubolu police station.

Former Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) district president Kakani Govardhan Reddy and MLC Meriga Muralidhar visited Gudur Government Hospital to inspect Yedukondalu’s body. They consoled the family members, offered them moral support, and assured them of all possible assistance.

Addressing the media at the hospital, Mr. Kakani claimed, “Since N. Chandrababu Naidu became the Chief Minister, there has been no protection for people’s lives. To satisfy their vendetta, the leaders of the alliance government are victimising Dalits, tribals, weaker sections, and marginalised communities, as well as YSRCP leaders, activists and sympathisers.”

“After the police beat him up for three days, they finally released him on July 12, when his family members fell at the feet of Sub-Inspector (SI) Haneef and wept. He was asked to report to the station by July 13 (Monday). Unable to bear the pain, he could not make it to the station. On July 14 (Tuesday), the police went to his village in a private car and dragged him to the station,” the former Minister claimed.

“Yedukondalu lost consciousness and he was unable to step out of the car at the station. Instead of taking him to a hospital, the police drove him around outside from 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.. When he was brought to Gudur Government Hospital, the doctors confirmed that he was brought in dead. When we went to see his body, we observed severe injuries on his neck and back,” the YSRCP leader alleged.

“If a person dies within the jurisdiction of a police station, it must be treated unequivocally as a custodial death, he said.

Police responds

Meanwhile responding to the custodial death allegations, District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ajitha Vejendla said, “All reports circulating about the case at Manubolu police station are false. Riyaz, Yedukondalu, and Prasad were identified as perpetrators in a chain-snatching incident. Upon serving Section 41 notice, they were questioned in accordance with the law.”

“The police come to know that Yedukondalu had also stolen 25 agricultural motors. After receiving information that he was in an unconscious state at the police station, the officials shifted him to the government hospital to save him. His health deteriorated there, and he passed away. The case is still under investigation,” she informed.