Sivaganga custodial death: TN govt hands over case to CBI

Under mounting pressure, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the transfer of the investigation into the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard from Tiruppuvanam, Sivaganga district, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the decision on Tuesday (July 1), offering the state's full cooperation for a transparent, impartial, and thorough probe. This move follows the Madras High Court's criticism of the case's brutality.

Stalin reaches out

Also Read: State has killed its own citizen, says court

Interestingly, Tamil Nadu has withdrawn the general consent for the CBI to investigate cases in the state, requiring the federal agency to seek prior approval from the state government for any investigation. This move ensures that the state retains oversight over cases pursued by the CBI within its jurisdiction.

Earlier in the day, CM Stalin reached out to Ajith Kumar’s family, expressing his condolences and assuring them of justice. “I have promised a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation. Those responsible will face stringent action, and justice will be delivered to the grieving family,” he said.

Also read: Madurai bench slams TN police, asks 'why no FIR registered?'

All-round flak

Stalin’s move is understandable given the fierce political backlash his government has been facing from Opposition parties AIADMK, BJP, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who demand accountability and systemic reforms.

The AIADMK, led by general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, labelled the incident a “murder due to police atrocity” — the “25th custodial death” under Stalin’s regime.

The BJP, led by state president Nainar Nagendran, has accused the DMK of turning Tamil Nadu into the “motherland of lockup deaths,” claiming 24 custodial deaths under the current regime.

Also read: Murder charges included, five policemen arrested

Demands for justice

The TVK, led by actor-politician Vijay, earlier filed a petition demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe under the Madras High Court’s supervision. It has also announced a massive protest near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore at 10 am on July 3, demanding justice for Ajith Kumar and his family.

Even DMK’s allies, such as the Congress and the CPI(M), have expressed disapproval. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram, representing Sivaganga, condemned the incident.

The CPI(M) has demanded stringent legal action against the involved officers, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) called for compensation and a government job for the family, both of which Stalin has promised.