Sivaganga youth taken for questioning over missing jewellery dies, 6 cops suspended

SIVAGANGA: A temple security guard, who was detained for questioning in connection with the theft of jewellery from a devotee’s car, died in custody allegedly due to torture by the police at Thirupuvanam in Sivaganga. After the custodial death triggered a major backlash, six officials were suspended and a magisterial inquiry is under way.

According to officials, Nisha (41) from Thirumangalam, Madurai, and her mother came to Madapuram temple by car and sought the help of Ajith Kumar (28), a security guard, to help park the vehicle. He reportedly said he does not know driving and asked another person’s help.

When she returned from the temple, Nisha found that jewellery weighing 9.5 sovereigns was missing from the car. She filed a complaint, after which personnel from the Manamadurai police took Ajith Kumar and at least four others for questioning. While others were later released, Ajith remained in custody.

During the interrogation, Ajith was allegedly assaulted by the police and he subsequently died from injuries. This instantly triggered protests from his relatives and others, including opposition parties.

Soon, Sivaganga District Police Superintendent Ashish Rawat came to the spot and conducted a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Later, he ordered the immediate suspension of six police officers involved in Kumar's interrogation, including crime wing head constables Kannan, Prabhu, and Grade-I constables Raja, Sankara Manikandan, Ramachandran, and Anand.

A case has been registered under Section 176 of BNSS, which pertains to deaths or disappearances in police custody or involving police personnel.

Meanwhile, Thirupuvanam sub-magistrate Venkatesh Prasad is conducting an inquiry into the events surrounding the police taking Ajith and four others in for questioning.

Political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, issued strong condemnation over the incident.