Retired CID ASP Vijaypal faces interrogation in RRR case

Ongole: Retired CID assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Vijaypal appeared for questioning at the Ongole SP Office on Tuesday in connection with the alleged illegal arrest and custodial torture of Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime.

The interrogation is being led by Prakasam District Superintendent of Police (SP) Damodar. This marks the second time Vijaypal has been summoned for questioning in the case. He was previously interrogated on October 13, following discrepancies in his earlier statements.

Notices were reissued to him, necessitating his appearance once again. Vijaypal has made repeated attempts to secure anticipatory bail, approaching both the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court. However, on Monday, the Supreme Court rejected his plea, compelling him to cooperate with the investigation.

Sources indicate that the retired ASP may be taken into custody following the interrogation, as investigators seek clarity on inconsistencies in his prior statements. The questioning is expected to continue through the day.

The case stems from the events of May 14, 2021, when Raghurama Krishnam Raju was reportedly arrested in Hyderabad on his birthday and transported to the CID office in Guntur. Raju has alleged that he was subjected to third-degree torture during his detention.

The Deputy Speaker subsequently lodged a complaint at the Nagarapalem police station in Guntur, demanding accountability. Vijaypal’s attempts to evade arrest have involved multiple legal appeals. Despite his efforts to secure protection, the courts have directed him to face the ongoing investigation. SP Damodar is heading the inquiry, which has intensified after initial responses from Vijaypal were deemed insufficient.