Tue Jul 01 10:33:04 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A video has surfaced showing a temporary temple security guard, B. Ajith Kumar, being beaten by plainclothes policemen in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, prior to his death during police interrogation. Kumar was being questioned about the alleged theft of gold ornaments from a devotee’s car. The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has summoned the person who filmed the incident. Following public outcry, six policemen were initially suspended, and subsequently, five were arrested on murder charges after a post-mortem report indicated custodial torture. The Director-General of Police has ordered a transfer of the investigation to the CB-CID and placed the Sivaganga Superintendent of Police on compulsory wait.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu: Video Surfaces of Temple Security Guard Being Tortured Before Custodial Death**

CHENNAI, July 1, 2025 – Outrage is growing in Tamil Nadu after a video emerged showing B. Ajith Kumar (27), a temporary temple security guard, being brutally beaten by plainclothes policemen prior to his death in custody. Kumar died on June 28th while being interrogated by police in Thirupuvanam, Sivaganga district, regarding the alleged theft of 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments from a devotee’s car parked at the Bathirakaliamman temple in Madapuram.

The 38-second video, filmed by a witness, depicts a policeman striking Kumar repeatedly with a long plastic pipe-like object in a secluded location near the temple, despite Kumar’s cries of pain. The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court is hearing the case and has summoned the videographer, Shakthieeswaran, to testify.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Following public outcry, six policemen attached to the Thirupuvanam police station were initially suspended. On Monday, five of those officers were arrested on charges of murder after an initial post-mortem report revealed approximately 30 injuries, suggesting custodial torture.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police (DGP) has ordered the transfer of the investigation to the CB-CID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department) and has placed Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat on compulsory wait, effectively removing him from his post pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation continues.

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