Villagers protest youth’s death, allege police torture

Villagers staged a protest at Kondakenguva village in Ramabhadrapuram mandal of Vizianagaram district on Tuesday, alleging that a youth Manikantha (25), died due to third-degree methods used on him at Saluru police station in Parvatipuram-Manyam district.

According to the protestors, Manikantha was arrested by the police on August 7, 2026 on the charges of jewellery theft. On August 8, he was admitted to the Community Health Centre in Saluru after his health deteriorated suddenly. Later, he was shifted to a private hospital in Vizianagaram, where he died on Monday.

‘Family members, including the deceased person’s mother Anuradha alleged that her son was severely beaten by the police leading to his death at a young age

The locals stated that they would continue to agitate till the concerned police personnel are suspended and payment of compensation is given to the family of the deceased.

Tension prevailed along the Saluru-Ramabhadrapuram route as villagers continued their protest.

Parvatipuram-Manyam District Superintendent of Police S.V. Madhav Reddy speaking to the media denied the allegations, and said that Manikantha died due to high fever and other health complications.

The SP stated that although the court had remanded him on the allegation in the theft, he was not sent to jail due due to his ill health. He said that the department had asked the family members to take care of him and had extended medical aid initially for his quick recovery.