Will the CBI Investigate the Custodial Death of Ajith Kumar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI now probing the custodial death of B Ajith Kumar.
- Case draws parallels with the infamous Sathankulam incident.
- High Court demands transparency and cooperation from Tamil Nadu Police.
- Public outrage has led to legal action and police arrests.
- Urgent need for reform in police practices highlighted.
Chennai, July 10 (NationPress) The tragic custodial death of 27-year-old private security guard B Ajith Kumar in Tiruppuvanam, reportedly due to police brutality, is now under investigation by the Special Crime Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), New Delhi.
According to sources, the CBI headquarters has assigned the case to its Special Crime Unit, which is also dealing with the notorious 2020 Sathankulam custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and J Bennix.
This action follows a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which instructed the CBI to take control of the investigation and submit a final report by August 20.
The court also mandated that the Tamil Nadu Police fully support the central agency throughout the investigation process.
CBI officials from Delhi are anticipated to formally take charge of the case soon by filing a new FIR, pending the receipt of the report from the judicial inquiry led by the district judge.
"The registration of the case is currently underway," an official source stated.
Ajith Kumar, originally from Tamil Nadu, passed away on June 29, allegedly after enduring severe custodial torture by a specialized police team.
The assault is reported to have occurred during an interrogation related to a complaint regarding the theft of jewels from a vehicle parked near the Badrakali Amman Temple in Madapuram.
In response to public outrage and legal actions, the case was transferred to the CBI, leading to the arrest of six police officers implicated in the incident.
Following the High Court's directive, the state government issued a Government Order (GO) to enable the transfer of the investigation to the central agency.
Previously, the Madras High Court had instructed the district judge to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. The court's latest order emphasized the urgency of the case and insisted that the CBI must present its findings before the stipulated deadline.
The bench also reminded the state police to provide all necessary assistance to guarantee a transparent and thorough investigation.
The Tiruppuvanam custodial death has reignited concerns about police violence and custodial mistreatment in Tamil Nadu, drawing comparisons to the Sathankulam case, which had generated national and international outcry.