Trial Delays Persist in Ambasamudram Custodial Torture Case as IPS Officer Balveer Singh Skips Hearings

TIRUNELVELI, India, July 18, 2025 — The trial in the high-profile Ambasamudram custodial torture case involving Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Balveer Singh remains stalled, with the suspended officer absent from 12 of 22 scheduled hearings, including the most recent one, according to court sources. The case, which has drawn significant attention due to allegations of brutal custodial torture, including the extraction of suspects’ teeth and other physical abuses, has yet to proceed to trial, frustrating victims and advocates seeking justice.

Singh, the former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, faces charges in four criminal cases stemming from incidents in 2022-2023. He is accused of torturing at least 15 suspects, including a minor, across three police stations—Kallidaikurichi, Vikramasingapuram, and Ambasamudram. Victims have alleged that Singh used cutting pliers to remove their teeth and, in some instances, inflicted severe physical harm, such as crushing the testicles of detainees. The accusations came to public attention in March 2023 after victims shared their experiences through social media and media interviews, prompting widespread outrage and political pressure.

The Tamil Nadu government suspended Singh in March 2023, following an inquiry ordered by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID), which filed chargesheets against Singh and 14 other police personnel in four cases. The charges include sections 324 (causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 326 (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Despite the government granting formal sanction to prosecute Singh in November 2023, the trial has been repeatedly delayed due to the accused’s absence from court proceedings.

According to a report by *The New Indian Express*, Singh has skipped 10 of 19 hearings as of May 2025, with his team of co-accused police personnel also attending irregularly. The Judicial Magistrate Court No. I in Tirunelveli, where the cases are being heard, has postponed the latest hearing to an unspecified date, with the trial yet to commence. The first hearing was held on December 13, 2023, marking over two years since the allegations surfaced without significant progress in the judicial process.

A significant development in the case came in January 2024, when the Tamil Nadu government controversially revoked Singh’s suspension, citing the All India Service rules, which limit prolonged suspensions. An official from the state’s home ministry stated that the decision was made as the trial had begun and a departmental inquiry was underway. Singh was reportedly assigned a non-sensitive posting, a move that drew sharp criticism from human rights activists and victims’ families, who argued it undermined accountability.

The interim report by IAS officer P. Amudha, who conducted a high-level inquiry into the allegations, confirmed the victims’ accounts, noting that CCTV footage from the implicated police stations showed suspects leaving with visible injuries, including swollen faces and missing teeth. The report also highlighted non-compliance with standard operating procedures and recommended action against a medical officer who failed to document the victims’ injuries. However, no action was taken against the doctor, further fueling concerns about institutional protection for the accused.

Advocates and human rights groups have expressed frustration over the delays and perceived efforts to shield Singh. “The victims, including a juvenile, are still waiting for justice,” said advocate V. Maharajan, who represents some of the victims. “The repeated absence of the accused and the slow pace of the trial erode public trust in the system.” Human rights activist Henri Tiphagne has called for swift prosecution, pointing to the CB-CID’s evidence, which includes medical reports, forensic findings, and witness testimonies.

The case has also sparked broader debates about custodial violence in India. Posts on X reflect ongoing public anger, with users like @thinak_ and @SavukkuOfficial criticizing the Tamil Nadu government for reinstating Singh and alleging systemic efforts to protect him. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a summons to Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police in January 2024, demanding a response to the allegations, further underscoring the case’s gravity.

As the trial continues to face delays, victims and their families remain in limbo, with many expressing fear of retaliation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in addressing custodial torture and ensuring accountability within India’s law enforcement system. The next hearing date is yet to be confirmed, leaving the pursuit of justice in the Ambasamudram case uncertain.