Custodial Torture Case: IPS Officer Sunil Nayak Arrested in Bihar Over Allegations Linked to Andhra Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishna Raju’s 2021 Detention
Arrest of Senior IPS Officer in High-Profile Custodial Torture Case
On 23 February 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Police arrested IPS officer Sunil Nayak in Bihar in connection with allegations of custodial torture involving K. Raghurama Krishna Raju, the current Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The arrest is part of ongoing investigations into alleged human rights violations during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) administration.
Background of the Case
In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Raghurama Krishna Raju was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against then Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Following his detention, Raju claimed that he was subjected to torture while in police custody, sparking widespread controversy and calls for accountability.
Arrest Details
Guntur District Superintendent of Police (SP) Vakul Jindal confirmed that the arrest of IPS officer Sunil Nayak was formally recorded in Bihar. The arrest forms part of a broader probe into alleged misuse of authority, custodial misconduct, and abuse of power during the previous state government’s tenure.
Political Context
The arrest comes against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape in Andhra Pradesh. Since the TDP-led alliance assumed power in 2024, multiple cases have been registered against officials and leaders associated with the former YSRCP government. These include allegations of custodial torture, corruption, and administrative excesses. The arrest of Sunil Nayak is widely seen as a continuation of these legal proceedings and a reflection of the new government’s stance on accountability.
Significance of the Arrest
Officials have emphasized that the arrest underscores the commitment of Andhra Pradesh Police to uphold accountability within law enforcement and to investigate alleged human rights violations. The case has attracted national attention due to:
The involvement of a senior IPS officer.
The political sensitivity surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s allegations.
The broader implications for governance and policing standards in Andhra Pradesh.
The arrest highlights the ongoing tension between political transitions and institutional accountability, reinforcing the importance of transparent investigations in cases involving custodial rights and alleged misuse of power.
