The Madras High Court on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to the family of 27-year-old Ajithkumar, a temple security guard who died in police custody in June 2025. The court termed the incident a “custodial death involving physical abuse” and noted that such acts “cannot be tolerated in a civilised society and must be dealt with firmly.”
Ajithkumar, who worked at the Madapuram Temple in Sivaganga district, was taken into police custody in June in connection with a theft complaint. According to reports, a devotee had asked Ajith to park her vehicle, but since he did not know how to drive, he requested someone else to do so. Later, the devotee, identified as Nikitha, alleged that cash and gold were missing from her car.
Police detained Ajith for questioning, and he died shortly afterward under suspicious circumstances. A post-mortem revealed over 40 injury marks on his body, indicating torture in custody. A report submitted by a Sessions Court judge confirmed the physical abuse.
The Tamil Nadu government had initially offered the family ₹7.5 lakh, a housing plot, and a government job for Ajith’s brother. However, the Madurai Bench of the High Court directed the government to pay an additional ₹25 lakh as interim relief. The court added that the family may approach it again for further compensation once criminal proceedings are complete. In an earlier hearing, the bench had observed, “Even a murderer wouldn’t have inflicted such brutality.”
Amid growing public outrage, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stating, “There should be no questions over the investigation.” He also issued a public apology to Ajithkumar’s family.
Following the court’s directive, the CBI has registered an FIR against the police personnel involved. The agency will also investigate the original theft complaint filed by Nikita.
So far, five police officers have been arrested in connection with the case. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been suspended, and the Sivagangai Superintendent of Police (SP) has been placed under compulsory wait. The High Court has instructed the CBI to appoint an investigation team within a week and to submit its final report by 20 August 2025.
(With inputs from NDTV)