Chennai, 2 July (H.S.): The death of 27-year-old temple security guard Ajith Kumar while in police custody in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district has triggered widespread outrage and protests. According to reports, Ajith Kumar was subjected to brutal torture, including being beaten with plastic pipes and iron rods, during interrogation regarding a jewellery theft case. The post-mortem report revealed that Kumar's body bore 30-40 injury marks, including trauma to the head and wounds consistent with lathi blows.
The Madras High Court has taken serious note of the incident, citing shocking allegations of police brutality, including the insertion of chilli powder in Ajith Kumar's genitals and mouth during interrogation. The court has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Actor-turned-politician Vijay has demanded a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the case, accusing the state government of attempting to shield the accused officers. The custodial death of Ajith Kumar has raised numerous questions in the minds of the public and starkly highlights the extent to which the Tamil Nadu Police Department operates in a cruel, utterly inhumane, and unjust manner, Vijay said.
The Tamil Nadu government has transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) and removed Sivaganga SP Ashish Rawat from his position. Five police personnel have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody in connection with Ajith Kumar's death. BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran has written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding an independent probe into the incident. Nagendran also highlighted 23 other custodial deaths that have occurred during the current regime, questioning the government's response to these cases.
The case has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties demanding accountability and justice for Ajith Kumar's family. The investigation is ongoing, with the CB-CID expected to submit a detailed report on the incident. As the case unfolds, it has raised concerns about police brutality and custodial torture in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the need for greater accountability and oversight within the police department.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
