Madras HC Orders Rs 25 Lakh Relief in Ajith Kumar Custody Death
Court slams police brutality in Sivaganga custodial death; CBI to probe, five cops arrested, and SP shunted out
The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard from Sivaganga district, who died in police custody last month under brutal circumstances.
Ajith Kumar, employed at the Madapuram Temple, was detained in connection with a theft case involving a devotee who accused him of being linked to missing cash and gold from her vehicle. According to reports, Ajith had merely helped the woman get her car parked by another person, as he did not know how to drive.
Days after being taken into custody by Sivaganga police, Ajith died. A post-mortem examination revealed over 40 injuries on his body, indicating severe custodial torture. The Sessions Court Judge's report, which confirmed the custodial death and detailed the abuse, was taken seriously by the High Court, which called the act “intolerable in a civilised society.”
Earlier, the state government had announced Rs 7.5 lakh, a housing plot, and a government job for Ajith’s brother as compensation. The Madurai Bench of the High Court, however, ruled this inadequate and mandated an additional Rs 25 lakh as interim relief, allowing the family to pursue further compensation once the criminal proceedings conclude. The bench remarked strongly, stating: "Even a murderer wouldn't have inflicted such brutality."
Amid rising public anger, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), assuring full transparency and stating that "there should be no questions over the investigation." He also publicly apologised to the family of the deceased.
The CBI has since filed an FIR against the involved police personnel and has been directed to probe both the custodial death and the original theft complaint lodged by a woman named Nikita. So far, five police officers have been arrested, including those directly implicated in the alleged torture. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been suspended, while the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sivaganga has been placed under compulsory wait. The High Court has directed the CBI to appoint investigators within a week and submit a final report by August 20.
