Tamil Nadu Custodial Death: Shocking Video Surfaces, 5 Policemen Arrested; CB-CID to Probe Case

In a deeply disturbing incident from Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, the custodial death of 27-year-old temple security guard B. Ajith Kumar has sparked widespread public anger and political backlash. A video showing police personnel allegedly torturing Kumar has now emerged, leading to the arrest of five policemen and the transfer of the investigation to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID).

Arrests and Allegations

Ajith Kumar was reportedly detained on June 27 in connection with a theft case involving gold jewellery from a devotee’s car at the Madapuram Badrakaliamman Temple, where he worked as a temporary security guard. He died soon after in what is now suspected to be a case of custodial torture.

Five personnel — Head Constables Kannan and Prabhu, and Grade I Constables Raja, Anand, and Sankaramanikkamthan — have been arrested. Another policeman, driver Ramachandran, has been suspended pending further inquiry.

Disturbing Evidence Emerges

Preliminary post-mortem findings indicate that Kumar suffered 30 to 40 injuries, including head trauma and lathi-inflicted wounds. CCTV footage allegedly shows him entering custody uninjured and exiting in a grievously hurt condition.

A judicial inquest is ongoing, while Sivaganga SP Ashish Rawat has been relieved from his post and placed on “compulsory wait.” The Ramanathapuram SP G Chandeesh has been assigned additional charge of the district.

Political and Legal Fallout

The incident has generated a strong reaction from opposition parties. BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief Nainar Nagenthran has written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding an independent investigation. He accused the authorities of mishandling the case, pointing to the alleged coercion of the victim’s family and a hurried cremation as evidence of a cover-up.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay called for a court-monitored SIT, condemning the state government and alleging that the police force operates with brutality and injustice under Chief Minister MK Stalin’s leadership.

Court Rebuke

During a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an AIADMK leader, the Madurai Bench of the High Court severely criticised police inaction. The judges observed, “This was an unarmed man in custody,” and directed authorities to approach the case with the “utmost seriousness.”