Madras HC Orders Judicial Probe Against Police In Sivaganga Custodial Death

In a firm response to allegations of custodial torture, the Madras High Court has initiated a judicial inquiry into the death of 29-year-old Ajithkumar, who died in police custody just a day after being detained in connection with a theft case.

A division bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete transferred the investigation from the Thirupuvanam Judicial Magistrate and directed that the probe be handed over to Additional District Judge S John Sundarlal Suresh. The judge has been asked to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit findings to the court by July 8, as per a report on Bar and Bench.

On Wednesday, the court instructed that all pertinent case documents—including CCTV footage, supporting evidence, and related materials—be handed over to Judge John Sundarlal Suresh for further examination, reported The New Indian Express.

The court's directive follows a postmortem report from the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, which revealed multiple severe injuries on Ajithkumar's body, raising serious concerns about custodial abuse.

Sivaganga Custodial Death Case

Ajithkumar, who worked as a temporary security guard at the Badrakaliamman Temple in Madapuram (Sivaganga district), was detained by a special police team on June 27. He died less than 24 hours later. Petitioners, including AIADMK advocate E Marees Kumar and human rights campaigner Henri Tiphagne, alleged that Ajithkumar was brutally tortured, subjected to the use of lethal weapons, and that chilli powder was applied to his face and sensitive areas.

Reacting to the incident earlier this week, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the case would be handed over to a central investigation agency. He also confirmed that five police personnel have been arrested on murder charges, in addition to six initial suspensions. The district Superintendent of Police has been placed on compulsory wait, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police has been suspended.

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