Chennai, 1 July (H.S.) : The Tamil Nadu government has transferred Sivaganga Superintendent of Police, Ashish Rawat, and placed him on compulsory wait at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chennai. This decision comes after widespread criticism over the custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard who allegedly died due to police torture.

Five police personnel have been arrested in connection with Ajith Kumar's death, and the case has been handed over to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) for further investigation. Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police, G Chandeesh, has been given additional charge of Sivaganga district. The government has assured that all legal procedures have been properly followed, and the probe is being conducted transparently.

Chief Minister MK Stalin stated that the government has already taken action in the case, including against higher officials. The opposition AIADMK has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, citing people's loss of faith in the state police. Actor Vijay has also sought the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident ³ ⁴.

The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and heard arguments from advocates Henri Tiphagne and Marish Kumar. During the hearing, evidence of assault, including photographs and videos, was presented, alleging that Ajith Kumar was beaten with plastic pipes and iron rods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary