The Tamil Nadu government has transferred the case of the custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Sivagangai district to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the decision, emphasizing the need for a transparent and credible investigation.
Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard, was taken into custody for questioning regarding a jewelry theft. His family alleges that he was tortured during interrogation, which led to his death. The incident has caused public outrage and political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the state government's handling of the situation.
Stalin stated that the decision to transfer the case to the CBI was influenced by the Madras High Court's observations. While the court acknowledged that the ongoing CB-CID (Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department) probe could continue, Stalin believed that a CBI inquiry would provide greater clarity and ensure a thorough investigation. He affirmed that the state government would fully cooperate with the central agency.
In addition to ordering the CBI probe, Stalin personally contacted Ajith Kumar's family to express his condolences. He spoke with Ajith's brother, Naveen Kumar, and mother, Malathi, assuring them of the government's support, including arranging a government job for a family member.
Several actions have already been taken by the government in response to the incident. Six police personnel were initially suspended in connection with the custodial death. Following the post-mortem report, the case was reclassified as a murder, and five police officers were arrested. The Superintendent of Police for Sivagangai district, Ashish Rawat, was transferred and placed on "compulsory wait" at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chennai. Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police, G. Chandeesh, was assigned additional responsibilities as the Superintendent of Police for Sivagangai district.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has been actively involved, hearing a suo motu case regarding the alleged custodial death. Advocate Henri Tiphagne presented photographic evidence to the court, alleging that Ajith Kumar had been assaulted with plastic pipes and iron rods. Video footage depicting police personnel assaulting Ajith Kumar was also presented as evidence.
The court has raised concerns about the police's failure to register a case even after a jewellery theft complaint was filed. The autopsy report indicated that Ajith Kumar suffered multiple injuries, including contusions on his head and chest, contradicting initial police claims that he had an epileptic seizure.
The opposition AIADMK has called for a CBI probe, stating that the public has lost faith in the state police. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized Chief Minister Stalin, claiming that the post-mortem revealed numerous injuries on Ajithkumar's body, labeling it a "murder that happened due to police atrocity". Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay also demanded a special investigation team to probe the matter.
This incident is the latest in a series of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, with the opposition claiming that there have been 24 such deaths since the DMK government came to power in 2021. The Madras High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of custodial death cases, emphasizing the need for strict action against those responsible.
