CBI Registers Case in Tamil Nadu Custodial Death | Probe Begins in Sivaganga

CBI Registers Case in Tamil Nadu Custodial Death: A case has been registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday July 12 against the police constables who have been implicated in the custodial death of a temple security guard Ajith Kumar, in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. The case was filed against under sect 103 (punishment of murder) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the name of the persons involved in the police work were listed as the accused.

The decision was taken following the ruling of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ordering the CBI to appoint an investigating officer within one week to assume the probe and come out with a final report by August 20.

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On June 27, Ajith Kumar was arrested in connection to a jewellery theft and he was reportedly beaten in a cowshed. The following day he died. Outrage was elicited by a video circulating online wherein he was beaten up by a stick several times.

The post-mortem examination showed that 44 injuries were discerned on the body of Ajith, with deep contusions of his muscles, haemorrhage of his internal organs and evidence of long-term impact of blunt objects, all pointing to the area of torture.

The state government of Tamil Nadu has dismissed six of its policemen and detained 5 other members of a special team and suspended DSP of Manamadurai. Sivaganga SP Ashish Rawat has been transferred and put on compulsory wait and Ramanathapuram SP G Chandeesh has got additional charge of Sivaganga district.

CM MK Stalin announced that the matter would be handed over to the CBI so that a fair inquiry could be done. Five policemen have been accused so far and in order to avoid any doubt being created about the investigation, he has directed that the same be transferred to the CBI.

In the meantime, the Madras High court too has intervened with a division in bench, Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete ordering an inquiry by a judge. I.V Additional District Judge of Madurai, S John Sundarlal Suresh was appointed in order to have a proper investigation and file a report till July 8.

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The division bench on July 8 further directed that the CBI officer to submit final report before the jurisdiction court by August 20. The court also directed the officer to obtain vital documentary evidence such as inquiry report given by Judge Sundar Lal Suresh, post-mortem report, and other judicial documents concerned pertaining to the Registrar Judicial of High Court and Judicial Magistrate concerned.

The Inspector General of Police (South Zone) and the Superintendents of Police of both the districts of Madurai and Sivaganga are directed to aid the CBI team. Moreover, the state government was instructed to do witness protection under the Witness Protection Scheme.

The court disappointed also by mentioning that the family of the deceased was extended scanty concessions: Ajiths brother, Naveen Kumar was awarded a free house patta and employment in Aavin, Karaikudi. The bench however instructed the State to seek directions on how to give interim compensation.

The killing of Ajith Kumar is the 24 th reported auspicious death in Tamil nadu under the DMK regime with the question of police excesses and accountability.

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