The Madras High Court has strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu police for their brutal treatment of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard who died in custody. Justice SM Subramaniam, overseeing the case, called the incident a “brutal act” and bluntly stated that “the state has killed its own citizen.” He expressed shock upon learning that the post-mortem report revealed 44 injuries across Ajith’s body, including the disturbing application of chilly powder to his back, mouth, and ears.

During the hearing, the court questioned how such brutality could occur in Tamil Nadu—a state proud of its educational and social progress—especially when similar incidents are reportedly less common in some less literate northern states. “Such acts in a state like Tamil Nadu, which is educationally developed, is dangerous,” the judge said, emphasising that police stations should never be places where such violence occurs.

The court further noted that Ajith Kumar, who worked at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tiruppuvanam, had no prior criminal record and was the eldest son of a deceased father. Justice Subramaniam highlighted the severity of the injuries, saying, “Even an ordinary murderer wouldn’t have caused these kind of injuries, in the opinion of this court.” The judge also recalled public outrage over previous custodial deaths, such as the Jayaraj and Benix case, warning that the public memory is long.

Several procedural lapses were scrutinised by the court, including the delay in filing an FIR until after Ajith’s death, the absence of senior police officers in the special investigation team, and the failure to promptly collect forensic evidence such as blood and urine stains from the scene. The judge questioned, “How did special team take the case without FIR? At least the team should have added a senior officer,” and warned of consequences if evidence was mishandled, stating, “If not, action will have to be taken against the SP.”

A contentious issue raised was the negotiation to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation and offer a government job to Ajith’s brother, which the court found inappropriate since these talks took place in a wedding hall. Justice Subramaniam demanded clarity on this matter and asked about the whereabouts of CCTV footage from both the police station and temple premises, emphasising, “It can be taken as evidence since police action is under question. Chances are with time evidence can be destroyed.” The court ordered all CCTV footage to be preserved and submitted to the inquiry judge immediately.

Judicial Inquiry to be Conducted by Retired Judge John Sunderlal Suresh

Following these revelations, the High Court has directed that a judicial inquiry be conducted by retired Madurai High Court judge John Sunderlal Suresh. The court insisted on a thorough investigation, including action against all senior officials responsible for Ajith Kumar’s custodial death. The Tamil Nadu government must report its compliance by July 8.

In response, the Additional Advocate General stated the state had no objection to transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Justice Subramaniam demanded a formal written confirmation from the government, underscoring, “The government should take this case seriously and conduct a fair investigation by a special team of the CBI.”

The political response has been swift. Actor-turned-politician Vijay condemned the police’s conduct, accusing the Tamil Nadu government of acting in an “inhumane and unjust manner toward ordinary citizens.” In a social media post, he wrote, “The Ajith Kumar custodial death case has raised numerous questions in the minds of the public and starkly highlights the extent to which the Tamil Nadu Police Department, operating under the direct supervision of MK Stalin, acts in a cruel, utterly inhumane, and unjust manner.” He also criticised the government for its slow response, adding, “Only after pressure from various political parties… did the police department begin taking action.”

Vijay called for transparency regarding the deaths of 24 people in police custody over the past four years and warned of political consequences: “In the 2026 Assembly elections, the people will gift the anarchic regime led by Mr. M.K. Stalin… a defeat so unprecedented that the DMK could not even imagine it in Tamil Nadu’s history.”

Following the incident, Sivaganga District Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat was placed on compulsory leave, and Ramanathapuram SP G Chandeesh was assigned additional charge of the district. The custodial death case has now been transferred to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) for a detailed probe.

5 Police Official Arrested

The state government confirmed the arrests of five police personnel connected to the case and suspended six others. The case is registered under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act at Tirupuvanam Police Station and is under judicial investigation.

Further, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court reviewed photographic and video evidence submitted by advocate Henri Tiphagne, which depicted Ajith Kumar being assaulted with plastic pipes and iron rods by police officials. Tiphagne also sought to be included as a petitioner in the case, which the court is currently considering.

This case continues to draw widespread condemnation and demands for justice as it unfolds.