Official Police Probe Initiated Into Tragic Deaths of Dalit Youths in Kadapa
Authorities have initiated a formal police probe into the suspicious deaths of two Dalit youths in Kadapa. Meanwhile, the region is also grappling with the tragic drowning of two students in Srikakulam and a mass food poisoning incident involving dozens of villagers.
Highlights
- •An IPS officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry into the deaths of two Dalit youths in Kadapa district.
- •The police have sent witness-recorded video evidence to the Forensic Science Laboratory for technical analysis.
- •Two 18-year-old engineering students tragically drowned at Bhavanapadu beach in Srikakulam district on Sunday.
- •Public health officials are managing a food poisoning incident in Kajuluru mandal after 32 people were hospitalized.
In a significant move addressing rising public concerns, an IPS officer has been officially appointed to conduct a formal inquiry into the tragic deaths of two Dalit youths. The victims were discovered in a canal located at Brahmamgari Matham on February 5, 2026, a situation that has since sparked intense regional scrutiny regarding this official police probe.
Maidakur DSP S. Rajendra Prasad confirmed the appointment during a press conference on Sunday. Local Dalit organizations had raised serious allegations of foul play, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the case and claiming that justice had remained elusive. These groups had previously organized a protest, titled 'Chalo Kadapa', to demand a higher-level investigation into the matter. To address these demands for transparency, Kadapa SP Nachiket Vishwanath designated Proddatur ASP Vibhu Krishna to serve as the designated inquiry officer.
Details of the Official Police Probe
During his briefing, DSP S. Rajendra Prasad addressed concerns regarding the legal integrity of the proceedings, specifically noting that Dalit representatives had questioned whether the First Information Report (FIR) was registered according to established legal protocols. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have submitted a video recording, captured by a witness who was present with the deceased, to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis.
Authorities have urged various Dalit advocacy groups, including those led by Mandakrishna Madiga, to discontinue their planned protest activities to allow the formal inquiry to proceed without interference. This official police probe remains a priority as investigators work to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a separate and equally distressing development, two engineering students, identified as 18-year-olds S. Yeshwanth and G. Agastima, tragically drowned at Bhavanapadu beach in Srikakulam district on Sunday. The students were part of a larger group from a private college when strong sea currents swept them into deeper waters. Agriculture Minister K. Atchennaidu expressed profound grief over the incident and has instructed local officials to provide comprehensive support and assistance to the mourning families.
Additionally, public health authorities in Kajuluru mandal are managing a localized health crisis. Following the consumption of snacks from roadside vendors in Dugguduru, 32 individuals were hospitalized at the Primary Health Centre. Kakinada District Medical and Health Officer D.N. Naick visited the site to supervise the treatment of those affected. While some patients have been discharged, nearly 60 others reportedly sought care at various private facilities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced food safety oversight in the region.
