Sivaganga, India – Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple guard, died in police custody in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, on June 28, 2025, sparking widespread outrage. An initial autopsy revealed around 15 injuries on his body, pointing to possible police brutality during questioning. The final report is still pending. Kumar, a temporary guard at the Madapuram Kaliamman Temple, was detained for questioning about a theft of gold jewelry from a car. His family claims he was viciously beaten with pipes, denied water, and forced to kneel for hours. No official complaint was filed against him before his detention. Reports indicate Kumar collapsed during interrogation. He was rushed to Sivaganga Government Hospital and later transferred to a private hospital in Madurai, where he was declared dead due to severe injuries. The incident has triggered protests.
Kumar’s family refused to accept his body and protested outside the Thiruppuvanam police station. Local shops shut down in solidarity, and residents demanded the arrest of the officers involved. Six policemen have been suspended, and a case has been filed to investigate the custodial death. Sivaganga’s police chief, Ashish Rawat, pledged a fair investigation.
Opposition leaders, including AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami and BJP’s Nainar Nagenthran, condemned the incident, demanding a judge-led probe and compensation for Kumar’s family. Palaniswami claimed this was the 24th custodial death under the DMK government since 2021.
The case has fueled concerns about police violence in Tamil Nadu. Activists and locals are calling for justice and reforms to address such incidents.
