Chennai, 1 July (H.S.): A 27-year-old temple security guard, Ajit Kumar, died in Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu, under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, triggering widespread outrage and a political firestorm. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, judicial scrutiny, and demands for accountability from allies of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin responded by issuing a stern warning to police officials, vowing strict action against those responsible for custodial deaths.
During an urgent video conference with top police officials from the state’s North, South, and Central zones, Stalin emphasized the need for dignity in handling complaints and warned of “very, very strict action” against officers involved in custodial deaths, lapses in women’s safety cases, or drug and illicit liquor offenses. He directed officials to submit detailed reports on all pending cases and custodial incidents, signaling a zero-tolerance stance. The Madras High Court has also raised tough questions about the incident, intensifying scrutiny on the state’s law enforcement practices.
The opposition, led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, demanded a judicial magistrate-led probe and compensation for Ajit Kumar’s family, alleging custodial torture. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for failing to curb police excesses, stating, “Even if police suspect someone of a crime, they must follow due legal process. Custodial torture is unacceptable.” BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran echoed these concerns, alleging that Ajit was “beaten over two days by seven policemen” and pointing to a broader pattern of police brutality under the DMK regime.
DMK allies, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), condemned the incident and demanded a murder case be registered against the involved officers. The CPI-M also called for a government job for a family member of the deceased and financial compensation. Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi chief Panruti T Velmurugan similarly urged stringent legal action to ensure justice. The family of Ajit Kumar alleges he was tortured, with his brother, B Naveenkumar, claiming both were tied up and beaten during transport in a police vehicle.
Six police personnel from the Manamadurai sub-division have been suspended following the incident, and Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has promised a fair inquiry. A case has been registered under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and an inquest by District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate R Venkadesh Prasanth is underway. Residents of Madapuram, along with AIADMK workers, staged a road blockade to demand justice and transportation for the family to retrieve Ajit’s body.
Union Minister L. Murugan accused Chief Minister Stalin of inaction, linking the custodial death to broader issues of corruption and drug proliferation in the state. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss escalated the criticism, citing 28 alleged custodial deaths under the DMK regime over the past four years and calling for Stalin’s resignation. As public and political pressure mounts, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in Tamil Nadu.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
