What Led to the Custodial Death of B. Ajith Kumar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Custodial Death: Highlights the critical issue of police accountability.
- Public Outrage: Reflects societal intolerance for custodial violence.
- Political Scrutiny: The incident has intensified scrutiny on the Tamil Nadu government.
- Ongoing Investigations: Five police officers have been suspended amid ongoing inquiries.
- Call for Justice: Opposition parties are demanding immediate accountability.
Chennai, July 5 (NationPress) In the midst of escalating public fury regarding the custodial death of temple watchman B. Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district, an audio clip featuring the woman whose complaint is said to have instigated his arrest and subsequent death has gained traction online, amplifying societal outrage.
The woman, known as Nikitha from Alampatti near Thirumangalam in Madurai district, is currently evading authorities. Reports indicate she lodged a theft complaint against Ajith Kumar, alleging that he stole her jewelry during a temple visit.
In the wake of her complaint, Ajith Kumar was summoned for questioning by the Thirupuvanam police. His family was later notified of his death while in custody. An autopsy revealed significant injuries on his body, raising red flags regarding custodial torture.
The case has ignited widespread protests and political outcry, with a recorded audio clip, purportedly featuring Nikitha, making rounds on social media. In the clip, she defends her actions and denies any involvement in the incident.
She conveys her sorrow over Ajith Kumar’s passing and articulates the adverse effects this situation has had on her life and reputation.
“I speak with profound sadness. As a woman with several degrees, including a doctorate, and a college professor, I strive for respect in society. Yet, it feels like society is rejecting my growth, which I am experiencing now,” she stated.
Nikitha maintained that after filing the complaint, she returned home and had no knowledge of subsequent events.
In response to accusations of her family's involvement in fraudulent activities, she labeled the claims as politically driven.
“My father is a retired officer. Unfounded allegations related to events from 2011, when he was supposedly involved in a job scam, are being weaponized against me. I am currently employed at a college in Dindigul and have taken leave to care for my mother, who is bedridden after a fall,” she explained.
Nikitha further asserted that a DMK party member is orchestrating a smear campaign against her, falsely associating her with influential figures, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
“I am not acquainted with any high-ranking officials or the Chief Minister. I am being dragged into this by individuals with political agendas,” she emphasized, adding that her silence should not be misconstrued as guilt.
“This is an incredibly painful period for me. I feel compelled to repeatedly apologize to Ajith Kumar’s mother for the circumstances that unfolded,” she concluded in the audio.
Currently, police have discovered her residence locked and unoccupied. Reports suggest that numerous fraud allegations are pending against her. The custodial death incident has placed the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government under significant scrutiny, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also oversees the Home portfolio, facing intense backlash from the opposition.
In connection with this incident, five police officers have been suspended, and a departmental investigation is in progress.
Opposition parties are calling for justice for Ajith Kumar and demanding accountability from the government, accusing it of permitting custodial violence to persist unchecked.