Five Tamil Nadu police officers were arrested and sent to judicial custody until July 15 in connection with the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard from Sivagangai district. The post-mortem report revealed multiple injuries, including contusions to the head and chest, leading the state government to classify the case as murder.
The incident, which occurred after Ajith was taken into custody on June 27 for questioning regarding a theft complaint, has sparked widespread outrage. Following the arrests, Sivagangai Superintendent of Police IPS Ashish Rawat was placed on compulsory wait and replaced by IPS G Chandeesh. The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) for a detailed probe.
Arrests Follow Post-Mortem Findings and Public Outcry
Ajith Kumar was initially detained after a complaint about missing gold jewellery from a devotee’s car at the Madapuram Bhadrakali Amman temple, where he worked. Though briefly released after initial questioning, he was taken back into custody the next day by a special police team. He later died at Madurai’s Government Rajaji Hospital on June 29 after complaining of discomfort.
The videographed post-mortem, conducted as per Madras High Court directions, revealed around 30 to 40 injury marks, including lathi blows near his anus and trauma to his head and chest. A shocking video of alleged police torture has also surfaced, intensifying demands for justice.
The Tamil Nadu government suspended six policemen and arrested five based on prima facie evidence and eyewitness accounts. A sixth policeman, a driver, has been suspended but not arrested.
Administrative Actions and Political Reactions
Following the incident, the Tamil Nadu government took swift administrative action by placing Sivagangai SP Ashish Rawat on compulsory wait and appointing IPS G Chandeesh as his replacement. Chief Minister MK Stalin stated that action was taken as soon as information was received, including arrests and transfer of senior officials.
Opposition parties, including AIADMK and BJP, have condemned the custodial death, demanding a judicial probe and compensation for Ajith’s family. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken a serious view of the case, calling for a thorough investigation and noting the vulnerability of an unarmed detainee. A Public Interest Litigation seeking a CBI or SIT probe has also been filed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The alleged custodial death of Ajith Kumar is a tragic and alarming reminder of the urgent need for systemic police reforms that prioritise human rights and accountability.
The Logical Indian condemns all forms of custodial violence and urges authorities to ensure a transparent, swift, and impartial investigation. Upholding the dignity and safety of every individual in custody is fundamental to justice and public trust.
