Sun Jul 06 17:28:03 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**Headline: Sivaganga Custodial Death: Forensic Lapses Spark Outrage and Call for Investigation**
**Madurai, July 6, 2025** – Concerns are mounting over the handling of forensic evidence in the Sivaganga custodial death of B. Ajith Kumar. Forensic experts and legal advocates are raising alarms about the failure to collect and submit crucial swab samples from the victim’s body to the Forensic Science Laboratory. These samples, they argue, are vital to proving the extent of torture inflicted upon Kumar, with witnesses alleging the use of chilli powder and ganja by police.
R.M. Arun Swaminathan, a lawyer representing petitioners in the case, highlighted the discrepancy, noting that post-mortem observations indicate dried blood and brown fluid around Kumar’s orifices, suggesting potential exposure to irritants. However, the post-mortem report only mentions the sending of viscera, dissected organs, and blood for analysis, omitting any reference to swab samples.
A state forensic officer, speaking anonymously, condemned this omission as a violation of court guidelines and those of the National Human Rights Commission, emphasizing the need to establish the intensity of any alleged torture. Citing a previous Madurai High Court judgment (Santhosh vs. Madurai District Collector), concerns were raised about police allegedly moving to cremate the body before sharing the autopsy report with the family, mirroring the contentious Hathras case. This action potentially jeopardizes any possibility of a second post-mortem examination based on the family’s queries.
Swaminathan also pointed out the absence of photographs of organs, particularly noting a fatty layer around the heart, which he fears could be used to falsely explain Kumar’s death. He urged the court to appoint an independent forensic expert to address the gaps in the report and ensure a thorough investigation. The case underscores critical questions about accountability and transparency in custodial death investigations.
**In Summary**
This is a news article about a custodial death in Sivaganga. A man named B. Ajith Kumar died in police custody. Concerns are being raised about how the forensic evidence was handled. Lawyers and forensic experts believe key swab samples, that could prove the torture, were not collected. They believe police may have used chilli powder and ganja on the victim. They also express concerns about the body potentially being cremated before the family gets the autopsy report, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The legal team urges the court to appoint an independent expert for a complete forensic investigation.
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