Tamil Nadu custodial death: Security guard suffered multiple injuries to head and chest, reveals post-mortem

The post-mortem report of a 29-year-old temple security guard, who died in Tamil Nadu police custody, showed he had suffered multiple injuries, including to his head and chest, reports said.

"The post-mortem was videographed [as per the Madras high court directions in cases of custodial deaths]. There was contusion in the head and chest,” the officer told Hindustan Times, on the condition of anonymity.

Opposition party AIADMK on Tuesday, July 1, demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the custodial death of the security guard in Sivaganga district and an answer from Chief Minister MK Stalin in the matter. 

Stalin said action has been initiated into the custodial death of Ajithkumar who was picked up by Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga district in connection with a theft case, PTI reported.

Five policemen were arrested and six personnel were placed under suspension over the custodial death on June 28, according to an official release. 

Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed Stalin over the incident and said "people and us" don't believe the "drama" enacted by the CM on the matter.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu custodial death: Murder charges included, five policemen arrested

He called on the chief minister to take  "full responsibility for this murder" and answer the public. He also flagged concerns over violation of human rights, stating 25 custodial deaths have taken place during Stalin's tenure as chief minister.  

Citing reports, Palaniswami also expressed shock at learning that the victim suffered 18 injuries from the post-mortem and called it a "murder that happened due to police atrocity."

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter.

People had many questions over the death of Ajithkumar, he said in a post on 'X.'

Meanwhile, PTI reported that CM Stalin addressed a press meeting and said action was taken in connection with the death of the security guard.

"Action has been taken, arrests have been effected...action taken against higher official also," he said referring to the government placing the district police chief of Sivaganga under "compulsory wait" in connection with the incident.