Andhra Pradesh High Court Orders CID to Expedite Probe into Death of Former TTD Officer
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to expedite the investigation into the suspicious death of Y. Satish Kumar, former Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The direction was issued during the hearing of a petition related to the alleged Parakamani theft case, in which Satish Kumar was reportedly associated in an official capacity. The court expressed concern over the delay in the investigation and stressed the need for a time-bound and transparent probe to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death.
Satish Kumar’s death had raised serious questions, with the petitioner alleging that it was not a natural death and could be linked to his role in sensitive vigilance matters within the TTD. The Parakamani system, which involves counting and safeguarding temple offerings, is considered a highly sensitive area, and any irregularities connected to it have wide public and religious implications.
During the proceedings, the High Court reportedly sought clarity from the CID on the status of the investigation, including whether all relevant witnesses had been examined and if forensic and circumstantial evidence had been properly analysed. The court emphasised that the truth must come out, given the public importance of the case and the trust devotees place in the TTD administration.
The CID assured the court that the investigation was ongoing and that necessary steps were being taken to collect evidence and examine all possible angles. However, the court made it clear that undue delays would not be tolerated, especially in cases involving allegations of institutional lapses and suspicious deaths.
The matter has been posted for further hearing, with the High Court expecting a detailed status report from the CID on the progress made in the investigation.