Advocate Gotike Swapna Kumari murder: THCAA demands SIT probe; alleges shoddy investigation

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court Advocates Association (THCAA) has demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the murder of 34-year-old advocate Gotike Swapna Kumari.

The association has flagged serious lapses and contradictions in the investigation so far. The advocates have raised concerns about the suppression of facts and the failure of the justice delivery system.

Representation to DGP

A delegation of the Association, led by its President A. Jagan, along with Secretaries Khaja Vizarath Ali and N. Indrasen Reddy, and Executive Members Prakash Yarra and Naresh Kaleru, submitted a formal representation to the Director General of Police, Telangana, on Friday.

Background of the case

The deceased advocate, a resident of Kethireddypally in Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, succumbed to fatal injuries on February 4, 2026.

According to the Association, she had been subjected to repeated attacks over several months before her death and had approached the police multiple times, but no effective preventive or protective measures were taken.

Multiple FIRs, contradictions alleged

The representation refers to multiple FIRs registered at different stages:

FIR No. 738/2025 dated November 6, 2025, at Chevella Police Station

FIR No. 17/2026 dated January 12, 2026 at Moinabad Police Station

FIR No. 73/2026 dated February 4, 202,6 at the same police station

The Association alleged that earlier complaints were recorded as road accidents involving unknown vehicles or persons, while later FIRs acknowledged criminal conspiracy and named close family members, including the brother of the deceased, as accused. The attacks are stated to have stemmed from an ancestral property dispute.

Allegations of lapses and suppression

Raising serious concerns, the Association pointed to contradictions between FIRs and inquest reports, delays in action, and alleged mishandling of complaints.

It expressed apprehension that influential accused persons may have been shielded and that vital facts were suppressed despite repeated representations by the deceased advocate about threats to her life.

Call for Independent Probe and Accountability

Terming the murder a direct assault on the rule of law, women’s safety, and the independence of the legal profession, the Association demanded:

Constitution of an SIT or entrustment of the probe to a senior, independent team under higher-level supervision

Clubbing and comprehensive scrutiny of all FIRs, complaints, and prior records connected to the case

Fixing accountability on police officials for lapses, delays, or dereliction of duty

A speedy, fair, impartial, and professional investigation and prosecution of all accused, including abettors and conspirators

‘Test of Justice Delivery System’

The representation concluded that the conscience of the justice delivery system stands seriously tested in this case and expressed confidence that the police leadership would uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure justice to the deceased advocate and restore faith among the legal fraternity and the public at large.