SHRC takes up Ajithkumar case suo motu; key witness given protection

Judicial inquest continues, questioning goes on for over 10 hours; woman who filed theft complaint against custodial death victim

- VIGNESH V @ Madurai/Sivaganga

THE State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the Sivaganga custodial death case based on media reports. A press release stated that Inspector General of Police/Director of Investigation Wing would conduct an inquiry and submit a report within six weeks.

Meanwhile, M Saktheeswaran of Madapuram, who had recorded the video of police personnel beating Ajithkumar, wrote to Director General of Police Shankar Jiwal stating he was receiving life threats and sought protection under the witness protection scheme as per directions of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The deputy Inspector General of Police (Ramanathapuram range) P Moor-thy ordered armed protection for the witness.