Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly condemned the custodial death of 29-year-old Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district, calling it an "unjustifiable mistake" and vowing swift action. The incident has sparked public outrage and political condemnation, with the AIADMK claiming it to be the 25th such death under the current government.
The custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard, occurred while he was in illegal police custody, having been taken in for questioning by the Tiruppuvanam police in connection with a gold and cash theft from a devotee's car. Following his death, six policemen from the Tiruppuvanam station were suspended. Subsequently, five of them were arrested and booked for murder after a post-mortem report revealed external injury marks and grievous internal injuries. The arrested police personnel have been booked under Section 196(2)(a) (custodial death) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act.
In response to the incident, the Tamil Nadu government has taken immediate steps, including transferring Sivaganga District Superintendent of Police (SP), Ashish Rawat, to a "compulsory wait" at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chennai. Ramanathapuram SP, G. Chandeesh, has been given additional charge as the SP of Sivaganga district. Furthermore, the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) for further investigation.
The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench has taken up a suo motu case concerning the alleged custodial death. During the hearing, evidence was presented alleging that Ajith Kumar was beaten with plastic pipes and iron rods, including video footage of the alleged assault. The court has questioned the manner of Ajith Kumar's detention, specifically asking why he was detained in such a manner and whether he was considered a terrorist.
Chief Minister Stalin has emphasized that his government will not hesitate to take stringent action in cases of custodial deaths, ensuring that justice will be delivered swiftly and impartially, even if the accused is a police officer. At a high-level law and order review meeting, Stalin stated that severe punishment would be ensured for anyone involved in crimes, whether a rowdy, someone with a political background, or even a policeman. He also warned of extremely severe action against those who fail in their duties, especially in cases involving drug trafficking, illicit liquor, crimes against women, and custodial deaths.
Stalin has directed police personnel to treat people who approach stations with dignity and ensure their complaints are addressed in a timely manner. He stressed that while the police have been given autonomy to act, this power must be used to uphold law and order and ensure justice. He also instructed officials to focus on cases related to caste or religious hatred and rumors that threaten public peace and to strengthen the network of CCTV cameras across public spaces.
The Tamil Nadu government has stated that all legal procedures mandated in custodial death cases have been properly and transparently followed. A post-mortem report was obtained, and further actions were taken promptly upon receiving the report.
