"Even a Murderer Wouldn't Attack Like This": Madras High Court Slams Tamil Nadu Police Over Custodial Death

In a shocking case that has rattled Tamil Nadu, custodial torture has once again returned to the spotlight after a temporary temple security guard, Ajith Kumar, died in police custody in Sivaganga district. The Madras High Court has come down heavily on the state police, remarking, "Even a murderer will not attack like this."

What Happened in Sivaganga?

Ajith Kumar, who was employed at a temple in Thirupuvanam, was detained by police following a complaint from a woman who claimed he had stolen her jewellery after parking her car. Allegedly connected to a bureaucrat, the woman’s complaint led to Ajith’s illegal detention and brutal assault. A disturbing video widely circulated on social media shows men in plain clothes—believed to be police personnel—assaulting Ajith behind the temple.

Soon after, Ajith was found dead. The post-mortem report confirmed custodial torture, leading to an uproar across the state.

Swift Action or Delayed Justice?

The Tamil Nadu government, under increasing scrutiny, initially ordered a CBCID (Crime Branch CID) probe. But in response to rising public anger and a strong rebuke from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the case would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In a personal outreach, Stalin spoke to Ajith’s grieving mother and brother, assuring them of full support and promising that the guilty would not be spared.

“There should be no doubts about the investigation. I have always reiterated that police must act in a manner that upholds human rights. Incidents like this are unacceptable,” said the Chief Minister in a statement.

High Court’s Scathing Remarks

The Madras High Court issued sharp observations on July 3, 2025:

• "Ajith has died after a severe attack all over his body."

• "Even a murderer will not attack like this."

• "Some evidence has been destroyed."

• "The investigating officer doesn’t appear to have collected all evidence."

The court ordered a District Judge to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report by July 8. It also directed the Tamil Nadu Police to hand over all CCTV footage and records, warning against any attempt to suppress or tamper with evidence.

Key Red Flags Raised by the Court:

1. Why was Ajith’s body shifted to Madurai instead of conducting investigation in Thirupuvanam, where the alleged assault occurred?

2. Was this a deliberate move to evade CCTV cameras and scrutiny?

3. Who authorized the special police team involved in the incident?

4. Why wasn’t an FIR filed in the alleged theft case that led to Ajith's detention?

5. Would the police have acted differently if one of their own family members had died in custody?

These serious questions point to a systemic failure in handling custodial cases.

Fallout: Political and Institutional

The incident is being seen as a major embarrassment for the ruling DMK, especially since it had previously criticized the AIADMK over the infamous Sathankulam custodial deaths of 2020.

With Assembly elections due in 2026, this tragedy may impact public perception of the DMK’s handling of police accountability. Critics argue that despite promises of reform, custodial violence remains deeply entrenched in Tamil Nadu’s police machinery.

Arrests and Administrative Action

As of now:

• Five police personnel have been arrested.

• The Superintendent of Police of Sivaganga district has been placed under “compulsory wait” (a form of administrative suspension).

• More senior officers could be under the scanner as the investigation progresses.

A Recurring Nightmare in Tamil Nadu

Despite efforts by successive governments, custodial deaths and police brutality continue to plague Tamil Nadu. The National Human Rights Commission and various civil society groups have repeatedly flagged the lack of accountability and the urgent need for police reforms.

This incident also underscores the urgent need for body cams, third-party oversight, and real-time audits of custodial procedures—reforms that have been recommended for years but are yet to be implemented effectively.

Conclusion: A Test of Political Will

The death of Ajith Kumar is not just a law-and-order issue—it is a litmus test for Tamil Nadu’s political leadership and its commitment to human rights and police accountability.

If the government fails to take decisive action, public trust in law enforcement will erode further. As Tamil Nadu moves closer to the 2026 elections, the way this case is handled could set the tone for the state’s political and civil rights discourse.