Temple guard custodial death prompts strong reaction from Madras High Court

The tragic temple guard custodial death in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district has triggered a storm of outrage, with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court stepping in to demand accountability. The court took serious note of the incident where 27-year-old B Ajith Kumar, who worked as a security guard at the Madapuram temple, died after alleged torture in custody.

Ajith was first detained by police after a devotee reported that 10 sovereigns of gold were missing from her vehicle. The complaint, which lacked a written record, accused Ajith only because he had helped park the vehicle near the temple. Despite being initially released, Ajith was picked up again by a special team, leading to a tragic series of events that ultimately resulted in his death.

Footage and witness accounts expose brutality

The temple guard custodial death case gained wider attention after a disturbing video surfaced online. The footage shows Ajith lying on the floor of what appeared to be a cattle shed while a man beats him with a stick. Two others can be seen watching. It is believed the video was recorded by a temple staff member, and its circulation on social media intensified public anger.

Eyewitnesses, including Ajith’s brother Naveen, allege that he was beaten in front of them, taken to several remote locations, and collapsed before being taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. The court was informed that Ajith had 30 to 40 injury marks, including signs of trauma to his head and lower body.

The Madras High Court, reacting to a PIL filed in the case, directed the Tamil Nadu state government to produce several reports immediately, including the post-mortem report from Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital and the preliminary inquiry by the local magistrate. The bench emphasized, “Police cannot be the investigators in a case against themselves,” urging complete transparency.

Officers removed, five personnel arrested for murder

In response to judicial pressure and growing public scrutiny, the case was transferred to the Tamil Nadu CB-CID. Sivaganga SP Ashish Rawat was placed under “compulsory waiting” at the DGP’s office in Chennai. Additionally, Manamadurai DSP Shanmugasundaram, under whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, was suspended.

Five police officers including two head constables and three grade I constables were arrested and booked for murder. Another police driver has been suspended. These swift actions, though significant, have not calmed public anger. Many argue the system reacted only after court intervention.

Political voices rise against the custodial abuse

The political fallout of the temple guard custodial death continues to unfold. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay has demanded that a special investigation team supervised by the court take over the probe. He sharply criticized Chief Minister M K Stalin, who holds the Home portfolio, stating that the state failed to act until the judiciary stepped in.

BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran echoed similar sentiments, condemning the hasty cremation, initial denial by police, and what he called coercive tactics used on the victim’s family. “This is not just a law-and-order failure but a collapse of humanity and accountability,” he said.

Adding to concerns, reports have emerged that political functionaries tried to broker a compromise with Ajith’s family, allegedly offering Rs 50 lakh and a government job to stay silent. Petitioners in court questioned why Ajith was interrogated outside the police station seemingly to avoid CCTV surveillance.

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Conclusion:

The temple guard custodial death has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the issue of police brutality in India. With video evidence, multiple witness testimonies, and a strong judicial push, the hope remains that this case will not be brushed aside. As the CB-CID now leads the investigation and arrests have been made, public attention continues to focus on whether justice will truly be delivered not just for Ajith, but to restore faith in law enforcement and the system.