Mother Demands Justice After CBI Clears Son in Temple Theft Case
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed the Madras High Court that the jewellery theft case against B Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard who died in police custody, has been closed due to lack of evidence. This announcement came a day before his mother, B Malathi, publicly called for further action.
Mother's Plea for Accountability
Speaking to reporters at Madapuram in Sivaganga district on Thursday, Malathi expressed mixed emotions. "CBI clearing my son's name in the theft case has brought me peace, as I always knew he was innocent. However, the pain of losing my son remains unbearable," she stated. "He died after being brutally assaulted by police, who treated him like a terrorist. All officers responsible must face punishment."
Malathi specifically urged the CBI to arrest Nikitha, who lodged the false jewel theft complaint against her son. "Apart from arresting Nikitha, CBI must investigate who instructed her to file this false report and take action against them," she emphasized. Despite her grief, she affirmed her trust in the agency, saying, "I believe in CBI, and we are satisfied with their investigation so far."
Legal Advocacy and Family Relief
The family's advocate, Ganesh, highlighted that the CBI's clean chit has provided much-needed relief to Ajith Kumar's family, who endured social stigma for six months. "This closure validates their long-held belief in his innocence," he noted. Ganesh made several urgent appeals:
- Courts should deny bail to the arrested police personnel to prevent evidence tampering.
- The trial in the custodial death case must be expedited for swift justice.
- The government should compensate Naveen Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Arun, and Vinoth, who were also beaten by police and suffered custodial torture alongside Ajith Kumar.
Background of the Tragic Incident
Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Batharakaliamman temple in Madapuram, died during custodial interrogation on June 28, 2025. He was detained for questioning in a case involving alleged gold jewellery theft from a car owned by Nikitha, who had visited the temple with her mother the previous day.
Following public outcry, the state government transferred both the custodial death case and the jewel theft case to the CBI. The agency has since arrested six policemen, including the driver of the van used to transport Ajith Kumar. In a supplementary chargesheet, the CBI named four additional individuals as accused, broadening the scope of the investigation.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about police brutality and the need for accountability in custodial matters, with the family and their legal team continuing to push for comprehensive justice.
