Custodial Death in Sivaganga Sparks Political Firestorm: AIADMK Demands CBI Probe, CM Stalin Defends Action Taken

The custodial death of 29-year-old Ajithkumar, a security guard from Tiruppuvanam, has triggered a political storm in Tamil Nadu. The opposition AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has demanded a CBI probe into the incident, accusing the ruling DMK government of shielding police brutality under the guise of administrative action.

The victim, reportedly detained for questioning in a theft case, was declared dead after being taken into custody. A post-mortem revealed multiple injuries on his body, fueling allegations of police torture.

AIADMK Alleges Cover-up, Seeks CBI Probe

Calling the incident a “cold-blooded murder,” Palaniswami criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's response. He dismissed the CM’s actions—such as ordering a CB-CID probe and transferring officials—as “drama” and claimed the public had lost faith in the state’s police force.

“People don’t believe your review meetings or FIRs anymore. Only a CBI investigation can bring the truth to light,” Palaniswami said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), demanding accountability from the Chief Minister.

CM Stalin: “Swift Action Taken”

Responding to the criticism, CM Stalin said five policemen have been arrested and that senior officials, including the Sivaganga district police chief, have been removed from active duty.

“The government has acted immediately. Arrests have been made and even senior officers are facing consequences,” Stalin said in a press briefing, adding that no one will be spared if found guilty.

Vijay Joins Chorus for Justice

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay also weighed in on the controversy, calling for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial probe.

“People want answers. There are too many unanswered questions surrounding Ajithkumar’s death,” Vijay posted on social media.

Public Outrage Mounts

The case has reignited debates around custodial violence in Tamil Nadu, with civil society groups and opposition leaders uniting in their demand for transparent investigation. The state government’s move to transfer the case to CB-CID has done little to calm public anger, with many seeing it as insufficient.