Tamil Nadu Custodial Death:
The Madras High Court has taken a stern stance on the death of a 27-year-old temple security guard during police custody, issuing strong remarks against Tamil Nadu police. Questioning police brutality, the court stated, 'Police are intoxicated with power,' as Ajit Kumar, accused of temple jewelry theft on June 27, 2025, was savagely attacked.
The High Court labeled this incident as a 'barbaric murder' and declared that the state has taken the life of its own citizen. Justice S.M. Subramaniam presided over the hearing.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam expressed shock at the postmortem report of security guard Ajit. The report disclosed 44 injuries on his body, revealing widespread signs of torture.
Observing the disturbing revelations from the postmortem, the court noted that chili powder was applied to Ajit's back, face, and ears.
The court's critical analysis highlighted that the police collectively committed this as a gruesome murder.
Source: aajtak
The High Court also questioned Tamil Nadu's claims of social progress, citing literacy rates boasting higher numbers than some North Indian states. However, such heinous incidents, especially within police stations, paint a dangerous picture of a 'developed' state.
The High Court reminded the public that memories are not short, referring to the widely recalled Jayaraj and Bennix case.
This is Not a Common Murder; It's More Inhumane: High Court
Justice S.M. Subramaniam remarked even common murderers would not commit acts like this. Ajit, without a prior criminal record and as the eldest son supporting his family, lost his father in 2004.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam also addressed the delayed FIR filing and absence of senior officials.
Orders were issued by Justice Subramaniam to preserve CCTV footage from the temple and police station, mandating its handover to a judicial investigator immediately.
Recommending a CBI inquiry, the High Court insisted the investigation should not be confined to lower-ranked officers but include all senior officials involved.
The High Court has appointed a retired judge for the judicial inquiry, with a progress report due in court by July 8.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin engaged in a phone conversation with the bereaved security guard's family, expressing his condolences.
