In a significant development in the Sivaganga custodial death case, two police personnel arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have approached the Madras High Court seeking bail. The case pertains to the death of temple security guard B Ajith Kumar during police interrogation in June.
Bail Petitions Filed After Trial Court Rejection
The accused policemen, identified as S Raja and G Prabhu, were arrested on July 1. Their bail plea was earlier dismissed by the trial court in November. In their petition before the high court, they have asserted their willingness to comply with any conditions set by the court and have assured that they will not tamper with evidence.
Separately, N Shanmugasundaram, the then Manamadurai deputy superintendent of police, has also moved the court seeking anticipatory bail in the same case. Justice S Srimathy has adjourned the hearing on both petitions to January 7 to await the response from the CBI.
The Tragic Incident and CBI Probe
The case dates back to June 28, when Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Batharakaliamman temple in Madapuram, died while in police custody at Thirupuvanam in Sivaganga district. He had been picked up for questioning in connection with an alleged theft of jewellery from a car. The car belonged to a woman and her mother who had visited the temple the previous day.
Following public outcry, the state government transferred both the custodial death case and the jewellery theft case to the CBI. The federal agency took over the investigation and subsequently arrested a total of six policemen. The CBI has completed its investigation and filed a final report before the trial court.
Expanding Scope of the Case
In a recent move indicating a widening probe, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet before the V Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai. This document named four more police personnel, bringing additional individuals under the scanner for their alleged roles in the incident.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding police procedures and custodial safety in India. The high court's decision on the bail pleas, expected after the January hearing, will be closely watched as it progresses through the judicial system.
