Finish Custodial Death Probe By Aug 20: HC To CBI

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete investigation into the custodial death of temple guard B Ajithkumar (29) of Madapuram near Thirupuvanam and submit the report on or before August 20 before the jurisdictional court.

- VIGNESH V @ Madurai

The CBI director has been directed to appoint an investigating officer (IO) and required staff within one week. Further, based on petitioner's plea, the division bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete suggested that investigation into the jewel theft complaint lodged by JP Nikita (42) of Thirumangalam should also be transferred to the central agency, and the state government agreed. A GO transferring the case to CBI is likely to be issued soon.

The bench passed the order while hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions regarding Ajithkumar's death.