Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard from Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, died on June 28, 2025, while in police custody during an interrogation related to a jewelry theft case. His death followed allegations of severe police brutality, including assault and torture. A post-mortem conducted at Madurai's Government Rajaji Hospital, supervised by a magistrate, revealed 44 external injuries on Kumar's body, including contusions, abrasions, brain hemorrhages, internal bleeding, and signs of cigarette burns. A video showing Kumar being beaten by police personnel inside the Thiruppuvanam police station surfaced, prompting widespread public outrage and condemnation. Following the autopsy and video evidence, five police officers were arrested and charged with murder; they were sent to judicial custody for 15 days. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, publicly apologized to Kumar's family, assured strict action, and transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a transparent and credible probe. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case, initiated an inquiry, and directed the CBI to appoint an investigating officer within a week. The incident has sparked protests across Tamil Nadu and criticism of the police department, with the High Court reprimanding the state government and police for failing to conduct an inquiry within the police station and questioning police accountability. Political parties including AIADMK and TVK have demanded further investigations, while the BJP has raised concerns about repeated custodial torture cases in the state. The case has intensified scrutiny of police practices and institutional mechanisms to prevent custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu.