Overview
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said police were "hobnobbing" with the accused and found a clear nexus between power and the investigation.
- The court set binding deadlines: complete further probe by March 31, decide on framing of charges by April 18, finish prosecution evidence by August 31, and conclude the trial by November 30, 2026.
- The Andhra Pradesh High Court was asked to assign a senior judicial officer for weekly hearings, and all courts were restrained from issuing orders that halt the trial.
- Questioning four years of delay, the bench sought accountability for investigating officers and noted the accused has remained on interim bail since December 2022.
- State counsel said the probe was revived after the 2024 government change and a supplementary chargesheet was filed, while the victim's family said the original chargesheet came on the 92nd day, raising default-bail concerns.