Tamil Nadu: Five Cops Arrested In Sivaganga Custodial Death Case; HC, Political Leaders Demand Action

Five policemen were arrested late Monday night (30 June)in connection with the custodial torture and death of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. The action follows mounting pressure from the judiciary and political leaders amid widespread outrage over the incident.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court observed that the case must be taken seriously. "If it was an armed person, the police could counter-attack. But it was an unarmed person in police custody," said Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete while responding to a mention by an AIADMK advocate.

At least 30 to 40 injury marks were found on Ajith’s body, according to sources in the police and Health Departments, who spoke with The Hindu. A source from Government Rajaji Hospital further revealed that the victim had lathi marks near the anus and head injuries.

The incident began on June 27, when a woman alleged that 10 sovereigns of gold went missing from her car at a temple parking lot. Ajith, who helped park the vehicle, was picked up by the Tirupuvanam police, briefly questioned, and released the same day. However, he was detained again the following day, after which he collapsed and was declared brought dead at a hospital.

Ajith’s brother, Naveen, told The Hindu, “CCTV footage shows my brother walking on his own when he was taken in for questioning. But later, he was brought out by men in plain clothes and let off…He couldn’t even walk, and was bleeding. My brother is innocent"

Earlier, six policemen were suspended, and following a high-level review in Chennai, five were arrested based on prima facie evidence and eyewitness accounts.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) Edappadi Palaniswami has demanded a judicial probe and compensation, while BJP’s Nainar Nagenthran condemned the incident. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI or SIT probe was also filed before the Madurai Bench.

The case may soon be altered to murder, pending the final post-mortem and inquest reports. An inquiry by a judicial officer is underway.