CBI files murder case against police in Tamil Nadu temple guard custodial death, takes over probe

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The agency has officially taken over the probe, following a request from the state government.

According to the CBI officials, the case has been filed under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

“The CBI has registered a case against police personnel of Sivagangai district in connection with the alleged custodial death of Ajit Kumar, who was posted as a temple guard at Madapuram Temple,” a spokesperson confirmed.

Kumar, 29, employed as a guard at Bhadrakaliamman Temple in Tiruppuvanam, was detained by the local police on June 27 for questioning in a jewel theft case. By the following night, he was declared “brought dead” at a government hospital.

A post-mortem conducted at Madurai Medical College and Hospital on June 29 revealed at least 44 external injuries across Kumar’s legs, arms, chest and abdomen, with 19 of them deep, extending into the muscle.

Forensic surgeons indicated the death occurred 12–24 hours before the autopsy but withheld the exact cause, pending further histopathology reports.