TGHRC Orders Probe Into Karla Rajesh Custodial Death

The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has taken serious cognisance of allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture and custodial death in the case of Karla Rajesh, and has ordered a formal inquiry into the matter.

The Commission registered the case based on separate complaints filed by the deceased's mother Karla Lalitha and social activist Manda Krishna Madiga, who alleged that Rajesh was unlawfully detained by the Chilkur and Kodad Rural Police and subjected to third-degree methods during custody.

According to the complaints, Rajesh was held in police custody from November 4 to 9, during which he was allegedly physically tortured and falsely implicated in criminal cases. His family was reportedly denied access to him during this period. When produced before a magistrate on November 10, Rajesh was seen with severe injuries, and family members allege that he had been administered an injection before his court appearance.

After being remanded to judicial custody, Rajesh's health deteriorated. He was initially taken to the Huzurnagar sub-jail, then shifted to a District Government Hospital in Suryapet, and finally moved to Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad due to the severity of his condition. He succumbed to his injuries on November 16 while receiving treatment, according to family members and activists.

In response to public outcry and protests led by Dalit organisations, including demonstrations by Manda Krishna Madiga demanding accountability and relief for Rajesh's family, the police have taken preliminary administrative action. Kodad Rural Circle Inspector Pratap Lingam was suspended, and Chilkur Sub-Inspector Suresh Reddy was attached to the district police headquarters pending investigation.

Considering the gravity of the alleged human rights violations, the TGHRC clubbed the current complaint with an earlier petition on the same matter and has directed the Principal Secretary to the Home Department to submit a detailed report. The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 12, 2026.

Rajesh's mother has also petitioned the Commission to direct authorities to register an ST/ST Atrocities Act case against the concerned officers, conduct a re-post-mortem examination, and preserve material evidence to pursue action against senior police officials for negligence.