CBI Takes Over Investigation of Ajith Kumar's Custodial Death in Tamil Nadu

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar, a temple guard from Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu. The CBI registered a case on July 12 against unidentified police personnel from Sivagangai, following the transfer of the investigation by the Tamil Nadu government. The case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, related to causing death by negligence of a public servant.

A postmortem report conducted by forensic experts at Madurai Medical College revealed that Ajith Kumar had multiple external and internal injuries, indicating possible custodial torture. The report detailed abrasions, scabs, and petechial haemorrhages on his body, along with 44 separate injury points that suggested repeated beatings using a blunt object. Bloodstains around the ears, fluid from the nostrils and mouth, and bruises on the eyelid were also noted.

The postmortem examination was conducted more than 18 hours after Ajith was brought dead to the hospital on June 28. The autopsy revealed a disturbing pattern of injuries that pointed towards severe physical abuse.