The death of a 27 -year -old temple security guard after police interrogation in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu has triggered a political line, seeking judicial inquiry, arrest of police personnel and resignation of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
B Ajit Kumar, who worked as a temporary guard at the Madapuram Badrakalimman Temple near Tirupapuvanam, on Saturday investigated a complaint of gold jewelery theft by a special police team.
The complaint was filed by a devotee from Madurai, who alleged that 9.5 sovereign gold in his car went missing during a visit to the sovereign temple. Ajit, who had a brief access to the car key as he was helping him in parking, was questioned and released, but was later detained again for further questioning. During the second round of interrogation, Ajit allegedly complained of inconvenience.
The police took him to a hospital, where he was declared “brought dead”. His family has alleged that he was tortured into custody. His younger brother, B Navenkumar claimed that both were tied and beaten during transport in a police vehicle.
The incident inspired the immediate suspension of six police personnel associated with Manmurai sub-division. Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat on Sunday announced the suspension and promised a fair investigation. Meanwhile, Tirupuvanam district Munsif-cum-judge R Venkadhesh Prasanth has started questioning about the death.
Police officials said that a case has been registered under Section 196 of the Indian Nagar security Sanhita.
As soon as the news of the death spread, the residents of Madapuram staged a road blockade demanding justice with AIADMK workers under the leadership of local MLA Senthilnathan and Ajit’s family was allowed to travel in a government vehicle to regain the body. The tension decreased only after the district officials arranged for government transport and assured compensation.
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AIADMK general secretary and opposition leader Edappi’s Palaniswami demanded a judicial magistrate -led investigation and compensation for Ajit’s family. “Even though the police suspect a crime, they should follow the legal process. Custodial torture is unacceptable,” he said in a statement, accusing the DMK government of failing to curb the police’s excesses.
BJP state president Nanner Nagenthan resonated similar concerns, alleging that Ajit was “beaten by seven policemen”. He mentioned an earlier incident in which women, including a pregnant complainant, were allegedly attacked at a police station. He said, “This police indicates a disturbed pattern of cruelty. The DMK government has failed to secure the police stations for the poor and marginalized,” he said.
PMK President Abumani Ramdos set a direct target for Chief Minister Stalin, citing 28 alleged custodial deaths under the DMK regime in the last four years. He said, “As an opposition leader, Stalin had demanded the resignation of the then CM Palaniswami during the deaths from Sathnakulam Custodial. If he has a conscience, he should now leave himself the post,” he said.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) called the death a “detention murder”, demanding the arrest of all the officials involved in it. NTK leader Cicain said that suspension was inadequate and demanded that a murder case should be registered. DMDK’s Premlatha Vijayakant called for systemic reforms to prevent such deaths.
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