Not Policing, But Crude Brutality: DMK Govt under fire Over Custodial Death

Even the DMK’s ally, Congress, has strongly condemned the Custodial Death of Ajith Kumar a temple security guard from Sivaganga, which falls within Congress leader Karti Chidambaram’s turf. Karti, known for his vocal criticism of the DMK over issues like anti-NEET agitation, has now launched into a scathing attack on MK Stalin’s government. The incident has triggered outrage in the state politics, with allegations of brutal police excess amounting to murder. With video evidence emerging and opposition parties calling for a judicial probe, the question now is whether the DMK can contain the fallout and whether justice will finally be served for a man who lost his life in police custody.

Rise of Outrage: Opposition Demands Action & Answers

Ajit Kumar, who worked as a guard at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Sivagangai  managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department  was reportedly taken into custody by Thirupuvanam Police after a theft complaint was lodged by a 42-year-old devotee.

The complainant, who had visited the temple with her family, alleged that over 80 grams of gold jewellery kept inside her car went missing after she had asked Ajit Kumar to park the vehicle. The woman had sought Ajit’s help to park her vehicle due to her physical disability. As he did not know how to drive, Ajit reportedly asked for help from someone else to move the car. The woman claimed he returned the car keys an hour later.

Following her complaint, Ajit was detained for questioning. Though he was initially released, his family claims he was taken into custody again. Soon after, police informed the family of his death.

Ajit Kumar’s brother, Naveen, alleged that a total of five men were picked up and subjected to brutal assault during police interrogation

The post-mortem revealed Ajith had suffered at least 18 injuries including deep contusions across his head, chest, back, limbs, and dried blood around his ears. AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami called it “a murder due to police atrocity,” and demanded immediate judicial investigation and justice. The BJP and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) echoed this call for a Special Investigation Team.

Meanwhile, Chennai’s Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took suo motu cognizance, directing the state government to submit detailed reports by Tuesday. Since 2022, RTI data shows 24 custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu pointing to a systemic problem. The court also highlighted a 2023 case where a 17-year-old detainee died with 96 injuries at Chengalpattu juvenile home, initially blamed on food poisoning.

Karti Chidambaram’s Sharpest Blast Yet

Karti Chidambaram, who represents Sivaganga in Parliament, has been no stranger to hitting the DMK especially during the anti-NEET protests. This death, in his constituency, triggered his strongest response yet: “This is not professional policing, this is crude brutality,” he wrote on X.

He demanded retraining of officers, prosecution of both superiors and subordinates for giving or carrying out unlawful orders, and swift action against cold-blooded violence.

Karti’s criticism is rooted in a consistent pattern: he has previously taken on the DMK over flawed law enforcement, NEET-related violence, and misuse of police power. Now, with the death of Ajith in his backyard, his challenge to the state government hits home.

Video Evidence & Arrests: A Broken Official Narrative

A video, shot by temple staffer Sakthiswaran, shows Ajith being struck repeatedly with a lathi by Tiruppuvanam police. The official police version claimed Ajith had two escape attempts one leading to an epileptic seizure but they later admitted he died at the hospital. Now, with video evidence contradicting that claim, credibility has crumbled.

Five policemen have been arrested and six officers suspended. The district police chief has been put on compulsory leave, and responsibility now lies with new SP G Chandeesh (Ramanathapuram). Investigations have been handed over to CID’s Crime Branch, but with public trust shaken, officials are under pressure to act fast.

Police Brutality a New Norm in Tamil Nadu

Custodial violence has become a disturbing pattern in Tamil Nadu. The Madurai court’s suo motu intervention followed by an RTI data showing 24 custodial deaths since 2022 though many cases lacked timely action or accountability. One major case in 2023 involved a juvenile from Chengalpattu, who died under suspected police and railway staff assault; his body had 96 injuries yet authorities initially claimed it was food poisoning.

For citizens, these aren’t isolated incidents: they reflect a dangerous culture of unchecked use of force, political interference, and failure to protect human dignity in custody.

Will Justice Be Served?

Under MK Stalin, the DMK promised police reforms and zero tolerance for brutality. But if violence continues in the name of policing, these pledges ring hollow. The outrage from Congress, BJP, and Karti Chidambaram represents a rare moment of political unity demanding justice, transparency, and accountability.

It’s time for the DMK government to show it truly values civilian life. That means transparent investigations, swift legal action against perpetrators, independent trial mechanisms, and systemic reform. Without this, public trust in Tamil Nadu’s law enforcement will continue to erode and political consequences may follow.