Video shows Tamil Nadu police using lathi to beat man in custodial death case

A video linked to the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar in Tamil Nadu’s Sivagangai district, reportedly showing him being beaten by members of a police special team, has been exclusively accessed by India Today.

In the footage, recorded on a mobile phone, Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard, can be seen being beaten with lathi by the police.

Ajith Kumar was taken into custody on June 27 for questioning in a jewellery theft case. According to the First Information Report, he had allegedly led police to a cowshed where the stolen items were believed to be hidden. Police claim Ajith tried to escape twice, suffering an epileptic episode during the second attempt. He was taken to Thiruppuvanam Hospital and later referred to the Sivagangai Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead at 11.45 am on June 28.

However, an autopsy report raised serious doubts about the police account, listing at least 18 injuries across Ajith’s body, including wounds on his limbs, head, back and ribs, as well as dried blood around his ears. These findings prompted allegations of custodial violence and led to the arrest of five police officers, who are currently in judicial custody until July 15. The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department.

The newly emerged video reportedly shows Ajith being hit while in police custody, further complicating the official version of events and adding weight to allegations of custodial assault. The footage is now expected to form a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the incident, the Superintendent of Police for Sivagangai, Indian Police Service officer Ashish Rawat, was transferred and replaced by G Chandeesh, who is also serving as the Superintendent of Police for Ramanathapuram.

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