What Measures are Being Taken After the TN Custodial Death?

Chennai, July 2 (NationPress) To support the family of Ajith Kumar, a 28-year-old who reportedly fell victim to a custodial death in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, the state government has extended an offer of employment at an AAVIN facility to his younger brother, alongside allocating a residential plot for the family.

Ajith's brother, Navin Kumar, is set to take on the role of a technician within the state-managed milk cooperative.

This announcement surfaces amidst a growing political and judicial uproar regarding the incident, which has sparked widespread public indignation. Additionally, the ruling DMK has granted ₹5 lakh as financial support to the grieving family.

The measures were declared shortly after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case. This decision followed harsh criticism from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and increasing pressure from opposition parties and civil society.

“The Honourable High Court has mentioned that the CB-CID may continue its investigation. However, I want to eliminate any doubts regarding the investigation's integrity. Thus, I am instructing the transfer of this case to the CBI. The Tamil Nadu government will fully cooperate with the CBI,” CM Stalin stated in a social media update.

He also criticized the actions of the involved police personnel, labeling their conduct as “inexcusable and unjustifiable.” The Chief Minister personally reached out to the family via phone, offering condolences and an apology to Ajith’s mother, ensuring her that the government would provide comprehensive support.

On June 27, Ajith Kumar, employed as a security guard at the Madapuram Bhathrakali Amman Temple, was taken by the police in connection with a theft case involving 9.5 sovereigns of gold. He was purportedly detained and subjected to torture by a six-member special task force, leading to his death en route to the hospital. So far, five police personnel from the Thiruppuvanam police station have been detained, and Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has been placed on compulsory leave.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police has also faced suspension.

During a recent hearing, the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench made strong statements, asserting, “The state has killed one of its own citizens.”

The court expressed profound shock regarding the injuries sustained by the victim while in custody.

The division bench has mandated the Judge of the Madurai district court to conduct an investigation into the alleged custodial murder and report back by July 8.

The preliminary post-mortem report submitted to the court indicated that Ajith bore at least 44 injuries. Chilli powder was allegedly found on his genitalia, mouth, and ears, suggesting severe forms of custodial torture.

The court also criticized the state’s response to the incident as inadequate and called for accountability from all official parties involved, including senior members.

With the CBI now set to take over the investigation, all attention is on how the agency will handle this politically sensitive case, which has reignited discussions surrounding custodial violence in Tamil Nadu.