Shocking to see 44 injuries: Madras HC on TN custodial death case
The Madras High Court has strongly condemned the Tamil Nadu police for their brutal treatment of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard who died in custody. The court’s scathing criticism comes after the post-mortem report revealed 44 injuries on Kumar’s body, with Justice SM Subramaniam expressing shock at the findings.
Kumar, a resident of Tiruvannamalai, was arrested on May 22 for allegedly stealing a phone from a shop. He was taken into custody by the Tiruvannamalai police and was made to sit in a police van. However, his family claimed that he was beaten mercilessly by the police, who allegedly demanded a bribe from him.
Kumar’s family approached the court after he was taken into custody, alleging that he was being subjected to torture and harassment by the police. The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter and ordered an investigation into the allegations.
The post-mortem report, which was submitted to the court, revealed a shocking picture of the brutal treatment meted out to Kumar. The report stated that the 27-year-old had suffered 44 injuries on his body, with most of them being severe. The injuries included severe bruises, cuts, and lacerations, indicating that Kumar was subjected to prolonged torture and abuse.
Justice Subramaniam, who was hearing the matter, was visibly shocked by the findings of the post-mortem report. “It is shocking to see 44 injuries on the body. He has been attacked in all parts of the body,” the judge said, expressing his dismay at the brutal treatment meted out to Kumar.
The court’s criticism of the police is not limited to the brutal treatment of Kumar. The court has also taken umbrage with the police’s failure to file a First Information Report (FIR) in a timely manner, which is a violation of the procedure established by law.
The court has also directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of torture and harassment levelled against them. The court has also ordered the police to provide a detailed report on the investigation to the court within a fortnight.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Tamil Nadu, with many calling for action against the police officials involved in the brutal treatment of Kumar. The state government has also ordered a probe into the matter, with Chief Minister MK Stalin assuring the family of the deceased that justice will be served.
The case is a stark reminder of the need for police reforms in India. Custodial deaths and torture are all too common in India, and it is high time that the police are held accountable for their actions. The Madras High Court’s strong criticism of the police is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the court’s actions will serve as a deterrent to police officials who think they can get away with brutal treatment of suspects.
In conclusion, the case of Ajith Kumar is a shocking reminder of the brutality that can be meted out to suspects in police custody. The Madras High Court’s criticism of the police is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the court’s actions will serve as a deterrent to police officials who think they can get away with brutal treatment of suspects.
