Chennai, July 1 (PTI): The Tamil Nadu opposition ramped up criticism against the ruling DMK on Tuesday, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the custodial death of Ajithkumar, a temple security guard in Sivaganga district. Meanwhile, the state government began disciplinary measures against several policemen, including the district police chief, for their involvement.
The custodial death also drew attention at the Madras High Court in Madurai. Ajithkumar's legal counsel reported to the media that they have submitted a video allegedly showing undercover policemen assaulting Ajithkumar.
The DMK government emphasized its commitment to hold accountable those involved, highlighting the actions initiated thus far. Nevertheless, the principal opposition party AIADMK expressed dissatisfaction, urging a CBI intervention, arguing the populace's diminished trust in the state police.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized Chief Minister Stalin, describing the handling of the incident as 'drama.' He referenced reports claiming that the post-mortem showed several injuries on Ajithkumar's body, condemning it as "murder due to police atrocity." In a social media statement, Palaniswami remarked, "Some media may trust in your performance of reviewing meetings or transferring the case to CB-CID, but neither the public nor we do." He accused the DMK of failing to ensure public safety.
Palaniswami also blamed the Chief Minister for the incident, demanding accountability and answers. Across various towns in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK supporters protested, seeking justice for Ajithkumar and carried placards with slogans like "Justice for Ajithkumar."
Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay advocated for a SIT to take over the inquiry, highlighting prevalent concerns regarding Ajithkumar’s death via a post on social media platform ‘X.’ BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthiran also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for an investigation into Ajithkumar's death and similar cases within the state.
During a press conference, CM Stalin confirmed subsequent actions and arrests concerning the security guard’s death. He highlighted that actions included placing the district police chief of Sivaganga district under "compulsory wait" for accountability.
The Home Department note confirmed that the Superintendent of Police in Sivaganga, Ashish Rawat, IPS, has been placed on "Compulsory Wait" at the Director General of Police/HoPF, Tamil Nadu, Chennai. Additionally, G Chandeesh, IPS, from Ramanathapuram, was given additional charge over Sivaganga district.
Ajithkumar, a resident of Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga, was reportedly detained by local police concerning a theft case prior to his death, which led to political and public backlash.
In total, five policemen connected to the matter have been arrested. An official statement announced that six personnel were originally suspended on June 28. The subsequent post-mortem findings propelled the authorities into action, resulting in murder charges and ensuing arrests.
State Law Minister S Reghupathy reiterated the Chief Minister's stand that none involved in the incident would receive protection. In Pudukottai, he emphasized the administration’s determination to act decisively and without bias.
The victim’s counsel insisted on comprehensive official accountability before the Madras High Court. The reportedly viral video of the alleged assault on Ajithkumar has been submitted as evidence to the court.
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