NHRC orders Telangana to pay ₹50,000 to tribal youth over Wadapally custodial torture

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Telangana government to pay ₹50,000 in compensation to Sai Siddu, a tribal youth and auto driver, following an alleged incident of custodial torture by the Wadapally police in Nalgonda district. The directive was issued after the Commission identified critical lapses by local police officers and a duty medical officer.

The incident occurred in September 2025, when Siddu was taken into custody by the Wadapally police. A complaint filed on his behalf alleged that he was subjected to third-degree torture during his detention, which led to physical injuries. While a subsequent police inquiry did not find conclusive proof of torture, the NHRC noted that the available medical evidence pointed to a different conclusion.

Central to the Commission’s decision were stark discrepancies between two separate medical reports. The first report, issued by a hospital in Miryalaguda, stated that Siddu had no visible injuries. However, a second medical report from a hospital in Nalgonda recorded swelling and inflammation in the victim’s feet.

The NHRC observed that these conflicting medical records created a “preponderance of probability” that custodial torture had indeed taken place. The Commission further noted prima facie negligence on the part of Wadapally Sub-Inspector A. Srikanth Reddy, as well as the duty medical officer who performed the initial examination of the victim.

Before finalizing the compensation order, the NHRC had issued a show-cause notice to the Telangana state authorities. The Commission stated that it received no response to this notice from the state government.

In light of the lack of response, the NHRC confirmed the ₹50,000 compensation for Siddu. The Commission has also directed the Nalgonda Collector to conduct an investigation and submit a formal inquiry report on the incident, warning of further action if the state fails to comply.