Judicial probe into Sivaganga custodial death

Directs state govt to initiate action against all those involved, hold officials accountable for lapses, negligence

- VIGNESH V @ Madurai

THE Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday evening said the IV additional district judge of Madurai, S John Sundarlal Suresh would conduct an inquiry into the custodial death of B Ajithkumar (27), a temporary temple guard in Sivaganga district, and submit a report by July 8.

A division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete gave the direction while transferring the investigation from the judicial magistrate of Thirupuvanam, during a hearing on the writ petitions filed by many, including E Marees Kumar of AIADMK advocates wing and human rights activist Henri Tiphagne.

Also, the judges directed officials to hand over the case files, CCTV footage, available evidence, and other materials to judge John Sundarlal Suresh on Wednesday.