Sivaganga Custodial Death Case: Madras HC Tells TN to Pay Rs. 25 Lakh More to Family

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay an interim compensation of Rs. 25 lakh to the family of Ajith Kumar, in addition to the Rs. 7.5 lakh previously disbursed, following his custodial death in Sivaganga district. Court opined that the initial compensation was insufficient given the gravity of the circumstances.

The bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete further noted that in similar custodial-death cases, the State had awarded significantly higher interim compensation. Consequently, Tamil Nadu has been directed to remit the additional Rs. 25 lakh without delay.

Ajithkumar was reportedly picked up by a special police team on June 27 following a theft complaint lodged by devotees who had visited the Badrakali Amman Temple in Madapuram. The complaint involved nine sovereigns of gold missing from a parked car. Though initially no FIR was registered, Ajithkumar was summoned by police and subsequently taken into unofficial custody by a team of five constables headed by a head constable under instructions from the Deputy Superintendent of Police. Ajithkumar was then taken to multiple locations including a veterinary hospital, a boys’ hostel, and a private grove, where he was allegedly tortured brutally. Eyewitnesses claimed that chilli powder was rubbed on his private parts and he was beaten with lethal weapons. He was declared brought dead at the Government Hospital, Thiruppuvanam, on June 28, but an FIR was not registered until his mother filed a complaint the next day at 2 a.m.

During the hearing, the State submitted that, besides the financial relief, it had provided a government job to Ajith Kumar’s brother and allotted land to their mother. It also informed the court that it had complied with all earlier directions and that both the custodial death case and the related jewellery theft complaint had been handed over to the CBI, which has begun its investigation.

The State said the Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) had extended support to the CBI team and assured the court that further assistance would be made available as needed.

The matter will be next heard on August 20, 2025.

Case Title: Karthick Raja vs. The Home Secretary and 9 Others

Order Date: July 22, 2025

Bench: Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete