Draft:Custodial death of Ajith Kumar
| Submission declined on 28 July 2025 by S0091 (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of events). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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Comment: Needs to show WP:LASTING. Also, Wikipedia is not a reliable source so should not be used. S0091 (talk) 17:38, 28 July 2025 (UTC)
Ajith Kumar (died 28 June 2025) was a 27-year-old temple security guard in Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu, India, who died in police custody following alleged torture during an interrogation related to a gold theft.[1]
The incident sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu, leading to arrests, suspensions, and demands for judicial and central investigation.
Background
[edit]Ajith Kumar worked at the Badrakaliamman Temple in Madapuram, near Tiruppuvanam. On 27 June 2025, a woman named Nikitha filed a complaint that ₹2,500 cash and around 10 sovereigns of gold were missing from her parked car.[2]
An FIR was filed against Ajith Kumar and two others.
Arrest and Custody
[edit]Ajith was initially questioned and released, but on 28 June, a special police team took him into custody again. He allegedly collapsed during interrogation and was later declared dead at the Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai.[3]
His family alleged custodial torture and that he was beaten in multiple locations.
Post-mortem Findings
[edit]A preliminary autopsy revealed multiple external bruises.[4]
While no single injury was found to be fatal, forensic doctors noted that cumulative shock or cardiac failure due to torture could be the cause. Organs were preserved for further analysis.
Legal Actions
[edit]- The case was reclassified as murder under Section 196(2)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.[5]
- Five police personnel were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.[6]
- Six officers were suspended, including the DSP and head constables.
- Sivagangai SP Ashish Rawat was transferred.[7]
Judicial and Government Response
[edit]- The Madras High Court took suo motu cognizance and severely criticised the police.[8]
- A judicial inquiry was ordered under retired judge J. Sunderlal Suresh.
- Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced ₹5 lakh compensation, a government job for Ajith's brother, and a land patta.[9]
- The case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).[10]
Public and Political Reaction
[edit]- Actor Vijay (TVK) visited Ajith's family and offered ₹2 lakh as support.[11]
- Opposition parties like AIADMK and BJP demanded an impartial probe.
- Villagers protested and blocked a magistrate’s vehicle.
Significance
[edit]This incident renewed public focus on custodial violence in Tamil Nadu, recalling similar past cases such as the 2020 Sathankulam deaths of P. Jeyaraj and J. Bennix.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "Sivaganga custodial death: Preliminary autopsy findings reveal multiple injuries". The Times of India. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Custodial death of TN temple worker sparks protests; 6 cops suspended". The Federal. 2025-06-30. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Sivaganga custodial death: Autopsy finds injuries on victim's body". The Times of India. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Madurai medicos say Ajith Kumar was tortured". The New Indian Express. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Ajith Kumar custodial death: TN reclassifies case as murder". The Indian Express. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Five cops arrested in Sivaganga custodial death". The New Indian Express. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "TN government suspends DSP, transfers SP in custodial death case". The Hindu. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Madras HC slams police over custodial death". India Today. 2025-06-30. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Ajith Kumar custodial death: TN govt hands over job, land, and Rs 5 lakh to family". The News Minute. 2025-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Stalin transfers Sivaganga custodial death case to CBI amid intense pressure". The Week. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Sivaganga custodial death: TVK chief Vijay meets Ajith Kumar's family". India Today. 2025-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Custodial death of P. Jeyaraj and J. Bennix". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
Category:2025 deaths Category:Custodial deaths in India Category:Tamil Nadu police Category:Human rights abuses in India Category:Deaths in police custody in India Category:Torture in India