Sivaganga: The custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a 32-year-old guard at Thiruppuvanam Madathupuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, has ignited widespread anger across the state after the autopsy report laid bare horrifying details of police torture. The examination revealed at least 44 external injuries on his body, including deep abrasions, severe blood clots, and multiple cigarette burns. Medical experts confirmed traumatic brain haemorrhage and a stab wound in the abdomen, painting a grim picture of the sustained violence he endured before death.
The post-mortem report of Ajith Kumar, shedding light on the gruesome extent of injuries inflicted on the deceased, pointing to a brutal and calculated assault marked by signs of torture. Approximately 50 external injuries on Ajith Kumar’s body. Of these, 12 were abrasions, while the majority were dark red, linear, and parallel contusions with central paleness, each representing multiple wounds grouped as a single count.
Eyewitness Accounts Corroborate Torture Claims
According to witnesses present during the incident, police officers subjected Ajith Kumar to brutal beatings using iron rods and pipes while he was in custody. The autopsy report supports these claims, noting injury patterns consistent with being dragged across rough surfaces and repeated blunt force trauma over several hours. Forensic evidence of cigarette burns indicates particularly cruel methods of torture were employed during interrogation.
Swift Administrative Actions Follow Public Outcry
In response to mounting pressure, authorities have taken immediate disciplinary measures. Five police personnel directly involved in the case have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has been transferred and placed on compulsory waitlist, while Manamadurai Deputy SP Shanmuga sundaram faces suspension pending inquiry. Chief Minister MK Stalin has ordered the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation for an impartial probe.
Security Given to Eyewitness in Sivaganga Custodial Death Case
M Saktheeswaran, a key eyewitness in the Sivaganga custodial death case, has been given armed police protection after he said that his life and his family’s lives were in danger.
Two police officers from Ramanathapuram District Armed Reserve have been assigned to protect him. Saktheeswaran is the person who recorded a video of the police brutally beating Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Badrakaliamman temple. Ajith Kumar later died because of the assault.
Ramanathapuram SP G. Chandeesh, who is also in charge of Sivaganga district, said that one armed officer will stay with Saktheeswaran all the time.
Earlier, Saktheeswaran, who works at the temple, had written to the DGP (top police officer in the state), asking for protection. He said there were threats to his life and his family’s safety.
The video he recorded on his mobile phone became viral on social media and was also given as evidence in court.
In his petition, Saktheeswaran said the Madras High Court had told the government to protect all eyewitnesses in the case. He also said that one of the suspended police officers had links with known criminals.
He requested that the police protecting him should not be from the Thirupuvanam police station.