The custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a temple guard from Sivaganga district, is yet another grim reminder of the systemic police brutality and lack of accountability in Tamil Nadu. Despite public outrage, judicial scrutiny, and repeated promises of reform, custodial torture and deaths continue with alarming regularity, exposing a deeply entrenched culture of impunity within the state's law enforcement.
A Recurring Pattern of Brutality & Impunity
From the Sathankulam case (where father-son duo Jayaraj and Bennix were tortured to death) to now Ajith Kumar’s death, the modus operandi remains shockingly similar:
Brutal torture in custody, often under fabricated charges.
Deliberate lapses in recording injuries or following due process.
Delayed justice, with inquiries dragging on for years.
Shielding accused officers through bureaucratic delays and weak disciplinary action.
The case of Rahim, another victim of custodial violence, underscores how the system actively protects perpetrators—from ignored medical reports to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) waking up three years later. Even the Tamil Nadu DGP’s office has failed to take stringent action, allowing errant officers to evade consequences.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
Lack of Independent Investigations – Police probe their own, leading to cover-ups.
Weak Accountability Mechanisms – SHRC and other oversight bodies act too late or not at all.
Political & Institutional Complicity – Ruling parties often defend the police force to avoid backlash.
Delayed Justice – Cases drag in courts, witnesses turn hostile, and evidence disappears.
What Needs to Change?
Immediate FIRs & arrests of accused officers under Section 302 (murder) in custodial deaths.
Independent investigations by central agencies (CBI, NHRC) in all custodial torture cases.
Fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice.
Strict disciplinary action against higher officials who enable cover-ups.
Compensation & rehabilitation for victims’ families.
Until Tamil Nadu’s political leadership and police administration commit to zero tolerance for custodial violence, more lives like Ajith Kumar’s will be lost to unchecked brutality. The question remains: How many more deaths will it take for real change to happen?
Lack of Independent Investigations – Police probe their own, leading to cover-ups.
Weak Accountability Mechanisms – SHRC and other oversight bodies act too late or not at all.
Political & Institutional Complicity – Ruling parties often defend the police force to avoid backlash.
Delayed Justice – Cases drag in courts, witnesses turn hostile, and evidence disappears.
What Needs to Change?
Immediate FIRs & arrests of accused officers under Section 302 (murder) in custodial deaths.
Independent investigations by central agencies (CBI, NHRC) in all custodial torture cases.
Fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice.
Strict disciplinary action against higher officials who enable cover-ups.
Compensation & rehabilitation for victims’ families.
Until Tamil Nadu’s political leadership and police administration commit to zero tolerance for custodial violence, more lives like Ajith Kumar’s will be lost to unchecked brutality. The question remains: How many more deaths will it take for real change to happen?
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