Home / Crime and Justice / 9-Month Deadline Set in Madurai Custodial Torture Case
9-Month Deadline Set in Madurai Custodial Torture Case
5 Nov
Summary
- Court orders trial completion in Ajith Kumar custodial death case within nine months.
- The case involves 10 accused police personnel and a victim's alleged torture.
- Allegations surfaced after a video showed the victim being beaten by police.
The Madras High Court has mandated that the V Additional Sessions Court in Madurai finalize the trial in the Ajith Kumar custodial death case within a strict nine-month timeframe. This directive addresses the urgent need for resolution in a case involving ten accused police personnel.
B Ajith Kumar, a 29-year-old temple security guard, died on July 28, 2025, after being taken into custody by a special police team on June 27, 2025. He was allegedly subjected to custodial torture during interrogation following a complaint of theft.
Public outcry intensified after a video emerged, showing Ajith Kumar being assaulted by plainclothes officers. A post-mortem examination reportedly revealed 44 injuries on his body. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation and filed chargesheets against ten police personnel.
Recently, four additional police officers, including a Deputy Superintendent and an Inspector, were named in a supplementary chargesheet. After charges including murder were framed on September 10, 2026, their subsequent remand was upheld by the High Court, citing potential witness intimidation and evidence tampering.
The High Court noted the extensive evidence, comprising 146 witnesses, 123 documents, and 49 material objects, urging all accused to cooperate and allowing the trial court to manage any delaying tactics.
