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Amid a massive public outrage and political condemnation over the custodial death of Ajith Kumar, Tamil Nadu Minister for Co-operation K R Periyakaruppan on Wednesday, July 2, handed over a job appointment order and land patta to the victim’s family.
Naveen Kumar, brother of deceased Ajith Kumar was given the job appointment order for the technician post at the Sivaganga district cooperative milk producers’ union, while his mother Malathi was given a patta for three cents of land at Theli revenue village.
Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Badrakaliamman Temple in Thiruppuvanam, Sivaganga district, died in police custody after allegedly being brutally assaulted by the police. He was detained in connection with a theft case. A video of the assault has emerged triggering widespread outrage.
In response, authorities have taken action against the police personnel involved. Five police personnel involved in the case have been arrested. Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has been placed on compulsory wait, and Manamadurai Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shanumugasundaram has been suspended.
On Tuesday, July 1, the Madras High Court also stepped in, with a division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete ordering a judicial inquiry. IV Additional District Judge of Madurai, S John Sundarlal Suresh, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and submitting a report by July 8.
The same day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also spoke to the bereaved family over the phone on Tuesday, offering his condolences. “I am very sorry. Stay strong,” Stalin told them. He further announced that the case would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair and impartial probe.
“Since allegations have been made against five policemen, and to ensure there is no doubt cast on the probe, I have ordered the transfer of the investigation to the CBI,” he said.
The Minister also provided Rs 5 lakh to the victim’s family as a solatium on behalf of his party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). District Collector K Porkodi and Manamadurai MLA Tamilarasi Ravikumar were also present.
Ajith Kumar’s death marks the 24th alleged custodial death recorded in Tamil Nadu under the DMK regime, raising concerns about police excesses and accountability.