44 External Injuries Custodial Death Case Raises Alarming Questions on Police Brutality in Tamil Nadu
The 44 external injuries custodial death case – In a deeply disturbing development, the autopsy of Ajith Kumar, a 28-year-old temple guard from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, revealed 44 external injuries custodial death case along with signs of internal trauma, further intensifying outrage over the custodial death case that has gripped the state.
Ajith was detained by the police in connection with a temple theft at Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Thirupuvanam. While the police claimed it was a routine inquiry, the post-mortem tells a different story. The report describes abrasions, contusions, and cuts on multiple parts of the body including his forehead, arms, knees, feet, and gluteal area. More concerning are the old burn scars that are consistent with cigarette burns.
Experts say the cerebral congestion observed in his autopsy could result from repeated head trauma. This contradicts initial police narratives, which reportedly attempted to attribute his death to an epileptic episode.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout over the Custodial Death Case
The 44 external injuries custodial death case has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu, triggering widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and political leaders. Henri Tiphagne, a leading human rights activist and executive director of People’s Watch, labelled the death as custodial torture.
“This isn’t just excessive force this is torture,” Tiphagne said, calling out the alarming trend of police vans becoming unofficial torture chambers. He also emphasized that India’s absence of an anti-torture law has left many such cases unresolved or ignored.
As pressure mounted, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made a formal statement in the Assembly. He announced the case would be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure transparency and neutrality. “Since five police personnel are involved, to avoid public doubt and to ensure justice, we are handing over the case to the CBI,” he confirmed.
So far, five officers have been arrested. The Deputy Superintendent of Police has been suspended and the Sivaganga Superintendent of Police has been placed under “compulsory wait” status.
Family Demands Justice, Activists Call for Reforms
Ajith’s family has consistently claimed that he was subjected to extreme torture while in police custody. Their demand for justice has been amplified by protestors and activists across the state. Many are now demanding a state-specific anti-torture law, with calls growing louder for what is being called the “Ajith Kumar Anti-Torture Law.”
Human rights groups point out that although India signed the UN Convention Against Torture in 1997, it has yet to ratify it. Without legal protection for victims or clear accountability for law enforcement, such incidents may continue to occur unchecked.
Henri Tiphagne commended the medical authorities at Madurai General Hospital for providing a clear and transparent autopsy report. He insisted that this case must not become another statistic lost in bureaucracy and silence.
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Police Under Scrutiny, BJP Joins In
Even the opposition has stepped in. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran announced he will visit Ajith Kumar’s home in Thirupuvanam to express condolences and show support. This adds another layer of political heat on the ruling DMK government, already facing criticism for its handling of police reform and accountability.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are attempting to contain the fallout. Internal reviews have begun, and there is growing pressure on the state government to push for long-overdue structural reforms within the police force.
Conclusion:
The 44 external injuries custodial death case has become a symbol of the urgent need for police accountability and anti-torture legislation in India. With public outrage at a boiling point and national attention now focused on the case, the coming weeks will determine whether this tragedy leads to meaningful reform or fades into silence like so many others.
