Amaravati: Suspended Andhra Pradesh IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar, a 1993-batch officer and currently facing allegations in a custodial torture case, has called for Deputy Assembly Speaker Kanumuru Raghu Rama Krishna Raju to be divested of all his official positions. Sunil Kumar argues that a “free and fair” investigation into the 2021 custodial torture allegations against him requires Raju to be stripped of power, mirroring the suspension imposed on him.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy traces back to May 14, 2021, when Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, then a rebel MP from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) representing Narasapuram, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID on charges of sedition and provoking disaffection against the YSRCP government led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Raju alleged that during custody, he was subjected to third-degree torture, including physical assault and denial of medical aid for a pre-existing heart condition. The allegations prompted Raju to approach the Supreme Court, which directed medical examinations and raised concerns over the handling of his case.
Read also: Senior IPS Officer Faces Disciplinary Proceedings After Criticizing FIR on Social Media
Sunil Kumar Named Prime Accused
At the time, PV Sunil Kumar was the Additional Director General of Police (CID) and has been named as the prime accused (A1) in the custodial torture case. The ongoing investigation has seen multiple FIRs filed based on Raju’s complaints, accusing CID officials of custodial violence.
In March 2025, Sunil Kumar was suspended in light of these allegations, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has since been interrogating him.
Demand to Divest Deputy Speaker
In a controversial social media post on X dated December 17, Sunil Kumar stated that since he was suspended to ensure a fair probe, the same yardstick should apply to Raju. He argued that the Deputy Speaker, who switched allegiance to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and assumed the position following the Chandrababu Naidu-led government coming to power in June 2024, should also be stripped of his powers for the investigation to remain unbiased.
Sunil Kumar described the situation as a “bitter pill” he now has to swallow, highlighting the irony of the circumstances.
Political and Legal Implications
The revival of the custodial torture probe under the TDP government has intensified the political ramifications, especially as Raju now holds a prominent position as Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Sunil Kumar’s demand raises questions about political impartiality, procedural fairness, and accountability in handling sensitive cases involving high-ranking officials.
