The death of B Ajith Kumar, a 28-year-old temple security guard, during police questioning in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, has triggered widespread anger and political outcry. The hashtag #JusticeForAjithkumar began trending across social media as demands for accountability mounted against the DMK government.

Who was Ajith Kumar and what happened?

Ajith Kumar worked as a temporary guard at the Madapuram Badrakaliamman Temple near Tiruppuvanam. On June 28, he was taken into custody by a special police team investigating the theft of 9.5 sovereigns of gold jewellery and cash from a devotee’s car. Though Ajith did not drive the vehicle himself, he had briefly held the key and asked someone else to park it.

Ajith was questioned and released once, but later picked up again for further interrogation. During the second round of questioning, he reportedly complained of discomfort and was taken to hospital, where he was declared “brought dead”.

What are the family’s allegations?

Ajith’s family alleged he was tortured in custody. His younger brother, B Naveenkumar, claimed both were tied up and beaten in a police vehicle. The incident led to suspension of six police personnel attached to the Manamadurai sub-division.

What is the police and judicial response?

Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat announced the suspensions and promised a fair inquiry. An inquest has been launched by R Venkadesh Prasanth, District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate of Tiruppuvanam. A case has been registered under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Residents of Madapuram and AIADMK workers led by MLA Senthilnathan staged a road blockade demanding justice and government support for Ajith’s family. Officials arranged a government vehicle for the family to retrieve the body and promised compensation.

What are political leaders saying?

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami called Chief Minister Stalin a “doll chief minister” and said:

“Even if police suspect someone of a crime, they must follow due legal process. Custodial torture is unacceptable.”

He demanded a judicial probe, compensation, and strict action.

CPI(M), a DMK ally, condemned the death, demanding that a murder case be registered and guilty police arrested. The party also asked for a government job for a family member.

BJP Tamil Nadu accused the DMK government of turning Tamil Nadu into “the motherland of lockup deaths”, citing 24 custodial deaths under its regime.

TTV Dhinakaran of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam said:

“What answer is [Stalin] going to give for police violence under his rule against the common people?”

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss stated that there were 28 custodial deaths in four years and added:

“If the chief minister has a conscience, he should quit his post.”

Panruti T Velmurugan of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi demanded a murder case against the police and legal punishment.

Why is this case resonating?

The custodial death has drawn comparisons with earlier incidents like the Sathankulam deaths during the AIADMK regime. With both ruling allies and opposition leaders demanding justice, #JusticeForAjithkumar has become a digital rallying cry against police brutality and custodial violence in Tamil Nadu.