Villagers protest youth’s death, allege police torture

On August 7, 2026, a 25-year-old youth named Manikantha died in Saluru police station in Parvatipuram-Manyam district, following his arrest for jewellery theft. Villagers in Kondakenguva village staged a protest, accusing police of torturing Manikantha using third-degree methods. According to the protestors, Manikantha was admitted to the Community Health Centre in Saluru on August 8 after his health deteriorated suddenly.

He was subsequently transferred to a private hospital in Vizianagaram, where he passed away on Monday.

Family members, including Manikantha's mother Anuradha, alleged that he suffered severe beatings at the hands of the police, which ultimately led to his death at a young age. The locals vowed to continue their agitation until the responsible police personnel are suspended and the family receives compensation.

Tension was high along the Saluru-Ramabhadrapuram route as the protest persisted. However, Parvatipuram-Manyam District Superintendent of Police S.V. Madhav Reddy denied the allegations, stating that Manikantha had died due to high fever and other health complications. He claimed that Manikantha was not sent to jail because of his ill health, despite a court remanding him for the theft allegation. The SP also noted that the department had initially provided medical aid to Manikantha for his quick recovery.